Paraprofessional; Instructional - Elementary Special Education

Overview

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

• Assists and guides students to reinforce academic, social, and emotional skills, within an Applied Behavior Analysis approach.
• 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.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Constructs, copies, and distributes educational materials as needed.
• Assists the teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement if IEP objectives, etc.
• Participates in the IEP process and serves as a resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assist students with disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

• Assist guidance, pupil services staff, or building administration, as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Note:

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

• Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

• Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• 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 contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to the supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

Note:

Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

• Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of college-level coursework or passing of examination as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
• Prior experience working with special needs children is desirable.

FLSA Status:
Non-exempt