Position: Paraprofessional Level 1 - Early Childhood Special Education

Location: Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center 

Reports To: Principal/Special Programs Director/Assistant Director

Work Year: 183 Days

Work Week: 27.5.5 Hours 

Starting Wage: $17.91 + 2.00 Special Education Para Differential

Benefits: Paid sick days, personal days, and holidays.

 

Position Summary

The special education (SE) paraprofessional assists the teacher in providing for the physical and instructional needs of students with moderate to severe disabilities.  The SE paraprofessional assists with the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including self-help, behavior management, and instructional programs.

 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

 

Under the supervision of a certified teacher:

• Assist in the educational and social development of students
• Assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs for students and monitor progress
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities
• Support students in developing appropriate social skills
• Help manage the behavior of assigned students, as needed
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s communication, emotional instructional, medical, physical, sensory, and social needs

• Assist students with cognitive, emotional, and/or physical impairments according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning, if applicable
• Assist students with personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene according to their needs, if applicable. Assist with monitoring and maintenance of medical devices that are needed to maintain the health and safety of students, if applicable
• Assist students with the implementation of communication devices and/or systems, if applicable
• Utilize effective communication skills: ensure that all interactions with students, district personnel, and parents are supportive, courteous, and respectful
• Comply with all policies, operating procedures, legal requirements, and verbal/written directives
• Maintain confidentiality
• Other duties as assigned by the principal/special programs director

 

Employment Qualifications

• EDUCATION: This position requires the attainment of a high school diploma or equivalent.  College course work is desired, but not required. Knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics is essential.
• EXPERIENCE: Previous experience working with students or individuals with disabilities is preferred, but not required. 

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 

Required:

• Ability to work with students with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to be patient, flexible, and versatile
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  Assists in the transfer of students to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning.  Lift up to 50 pounds.

 

Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  The position may require supervising students during inclement outdoor weather.

 

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The Board of Education does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities