Special Education Paraprofessional (PreK)

About the Role

This position provides instructional and other support services in various classroom settings to students under the supervision of a teacher or other professional staff member. The paraprofessional will support academic, behavioral, language, and/or physical needs of PreK students.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with teachers, staff, support services, and students
• Collaborate and foster teamwork
• Maintain anecdotal notes and data recording as needed
• Contribute strategies for developing acceptance of student(s) by the school community; facilitate students' social interaction with teachers and peers
• Assist staff with other activities when available
• Assist/monitor student(s) to and from the bus when needed
• Assist/monitor student(s) during recess—indoors and outdoors when needed
• Assist/monitor student(s) in the lunchroom and hallways as appropriate
• Assist with feeding skills with appropriate supervision/training
• Assist/monitor student(s) with toileting and other physical needs, including providing physical assistance during toileting (e.g., removing undergarments, wiping, assisting onto/off the toilet)
• Assist with care, correct use, and maintenance of adaptive equipment
• Assist student(s) during emergency situations, drills, and field trips
• Exhibit knowledge of student's IEP goals, medical needs, and any student limitations
• Assist student with instructional activities as outlined by staff; utilize strategies to modify materials as directed
• Implement behavioral intervention plans and procedures as needed
• Attend ongoing training as needed
• Maintain the same level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as expected by staff
• Refer any questions or concerns from parents to appropriate staff members
• Assist student(s) to complete lesson activities, assignments, and assessments
• Assist in the implementation of test accommodations/modifications during test administration
• Ability to work with multiple needs across multiple grades
• Communicate (verbal or written) with parents as directed by teacher, administration, and related service staff

Requirements

• Valid ISBE Paraprofessional License or Short Term Approval
• Basic knowledge and willingness to learn appropriate use of technology
• Desire to work with students with special needs
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Maintain confidentiality of students and their records
• Understand basic elements of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Requires sitting, standing, lifting, bending, walking, and running
• Demonstrate a high level of flexibility, positive attitude, patience, sense of humor, perseverance, tenacity, and concentration

Pay

Starting rate: $18.20/hour. Eligible for a $1,300 Special Education program stipend.

Benefits

• Paid time off benefits
• Medical insurance benefits