SpEd Resource Paraeducator

Hours per week: 29. Salary follows the Paraeducator (88) schedule, Lane Placement A1. Contract length: hourly, non-exempt position.

About the role

The Special Education resource paraeducator assists the supervising teacher by performing a variety of tasks to support instruction and classroom programming. The paraeducator always works under the direction of the supervising teacher, providing direct services to students. The special education teacher designs, supervises, and coordinates the activities of each paraeducator. Physical presence, punctuality, and reliability are essential functions of this position.

Responsibilities

• Implement drill and practice exercises designed by the teacher for groups or individual students.
• Keep accurate data on assigned groups and/or individual students, using teacher-prepared methods for data collection.
• Supervise and monitor student instructional activities within the school and in assigned community settings (e.g., assisting with public transportation, recess supervision, employment skills, self-help, and personal skills development).
• Provide personal maintenance care for students related to self-help and hygiene (e.g., gastronomy tube feeding, oral feeding, catheterization, toilet training, diaper changing, tooth brushing, and other personal care).
• Implement appropriate behavior management procedures consistently, in accordance with district policies.
• Support a school environment that fosters students’ positive self-concept.
• Supervise students to ensure a safe learning environment.
• Appropriately use classroom materials and technology.
• Assist students in regular classes.
• Prepare and adapt instructional materials under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Maintain professional confidentiality regarding student progress, physical/emotional limitations, discussing these only with the supervising teacher, related service professionals, administrators, or program coordinators.
• Work assigned hours, which may include bus supervision.
• Participate in professional development training required by the Special Education Department.
• Attend and be physically present, as this is an essential function of the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One of the following if working in a Title 1 school:
  • 48 hours of college credit; or
  • Pass the ParaPro exam.
• Prior work with individuals with disabilities preferred.

Skills

• Ability to follow directions outlined by the special education teacher and related service professionals for instructional practice, behavioral interventions, and functional skills development.
• Skilled in operating specific achievement testing and data collection tools.
• Ability to effectively manage stress.
• Makes decisions concerning the best way to accomplish tasks assigned by the classroom teacher and related service professionals.
• Must take directions well and work within specific guidelines.
• Interacts positively with students, parents, staff, teachers, administration, and other district personnel.
• Oversees the safety of students.

Working Environment

• Work setting is mainly in the classroom but may include indoor or outdoor tasks.
• May work in hot or cold weather conditions.
• May experience stress from disruptive students or groups.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Occasionally required to use hands to handle or feel, climb, or balance.
• Must be able to speak and hear.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Must be able to stand or sit for long periods.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.