Special Education Paraprofessional for Centennial Arts Academy for 2026-2027 School Year

Work location: School-based. Non-exempt position reporting to the Principal on a 190-day work calendar.

About the Role

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, the Special Education Paraprofessional assists with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and supports certified professional staff by handling non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls.

Responsibilities

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests, and assessments.
• Supports classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills based on individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Helps manage classroom behavior to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly environment, and keep students on task.
• Supervises students in non-instructional areas such as lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridors, and study halls.
• Accompanies students on field trips to assist with supervision.
• Constructs, copies, distributes, and uses educational materials as needed.
• Assists teachers with parent contact to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Supports students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP objectives.
• Participates in the IEP process and serves as a resource for the student personnel evaluation team.
• Assists students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living to maximize their participation in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations for assisting students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• Assists guidance, pupil services staff, or building administration as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent and one of the following:
  • Passing score on the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment
  • 60 or more satisfactory college credit hours
• Prior experience working with special needs children is desirable.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Basic arithmetic skills to assist students with mathematical operations.
• Ability to understand, apply, and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Work Environment

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.
• Uses standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.
• Travel between schools or between schools and central offices may be required.