Special Education Paraprofessional

Special Education Paraprofessional

Under the direction of the Building administration, Student Services Coordinator, and assigned classroom teacher, assist in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students in a classroom or instructional setting; performs various tasks in assisting with the educational needs associated with the particular program to which assigned.

Classroom paraprofessionals, paraprofessionals, and one-to-one paraprofessionals may function in a variety of roles: those which are instructionally-based, those which are physically-management based and those which are medically-based. Job responsibilities may shift among these roles depending upon the needs of the student/s.

Education, Experience, and/or Certification:

1. Valid State of Illinois Professional Educator License with Self-Contained General Education Endorsement or Educator License with Stipulations (PARA)
2. Degree or minimum of 60 semester hours of college credit
3. Demonstrated concern for the child's well-being
4. Willingness to accept instruction

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Prepares for classroom and/or other assigned activities under the direction of the teacher and/or principal.
2. Assist the classroom teacher with the instruction and supervision of students during classroom activities.
3. Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce new skills initially introduced by the classroom teacher.
4. Assist the classroom teacher in devising and implementing strategies for reinforcing skills based on data.
5. Maintain anecdotal notes, written observations, and other approved forms of documentation for students when instructed to do so by the classroom teacher.
6. Assist with critical daily activities.
7. Ability to work harmoniously with others and to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) with the public and district personnel using tact, courtesy, and good judgment.
8. Ability to perform support functions requiring independent judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving in accordance with established policies and regulations.
9. Ability to maintain the privacy of sensitive and confidential information.
10. Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
11. Perform general clerical duties such as: preparation of instructional materials, scoring student work, preparing materials for classroom use, etc.
12. Operate a variety of office equipment such as copy machines, computers, and printers.
13. Possess language skills including composition, punctuation, spelling, and correct usage.
14. Attend building meetings and in-service training.
15. Maintain commitment to ongoing professional development.
16. Other Duties as assigned.

Is responsible for instructionally-based activities:

• understands the typical developmental characteristics of the age group and exceptional students
• is familiar with the teaching strategy the teacher wants to use
• is able to provide reinforcers in the way the teacher has planned
• is aware of students' strengths and weaknesses
• provides the teacher with feedback on the success/failure of an understanding of the students' skills and knowledge
• follows lesson plans developed by the certified staff member
• clarifies directions and procedures
• uses spoken/written/sign language and vocabulary that are clear and age-appropriate
• asks questions of a high quality, with adequate wait time for the student to respond
• promotes classroom interaction
• assists individual students or small groups with tasks
• engages all students in discussion and encourages students to formulate questions
• links content to students' prior knowledge and experience
• works with a variety of instructional grouping patterns to foster student engagement in learning
• uses a variety of instructional strategies to meet the variety of learner needs
• provides feedback in a timely manner and specific to the learner
• helps assess student progress through observing and recording data

Is responsible for one or more students with specific medical needs:

• may assist with toileting, which may include diapering and/or assisting students in any stage of the toileting process
• may assist with feeding, including g-tube feeding
• may catheterize
• may need to lift students and position them
• may need to manage medical equipment, i.e., braces

Is responsible for monitoring a student's behavior under the direction of the supervising teacher:

• establishes a positive working relationship with the student
• monitors appropriate physical behavior
• monitors appropriate on-task behavior
• charts behavior data
• implements and follows any Behavior Management Plans
• keeps the teacher informed of behavior
• follows the teacher's lead/guidelines in the implementation of behavior controls

Is responsible for assisting special education students within the general education classroom:

• assists general education teachers with modification of instruction according to the IEPs
• works with small groups and individual students to support general education classroom instruction
• prepares instructional materials
• assists with the administration of general education assessment
• assists with the implementation of student Behavior Management Plans
• works with small groups and individual students to support classroom instruction
• supports special education students in the general education curriculum in areas in which they have no IEP goals

Supervisory Role:

Small groups of children or one-on-one with a child, as assigned, under the supervision of a certified teacher.

Communication Skills:

1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
2. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback.
3. Ability to compose correspondence, reports, and/or other required written materials.
4. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information.
5. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, inquiries, and/or complaints.
6. Displays courtesy, tact, and respect when dealing with others.

Mathematical Skills:

1. Ability to perform basic math using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals consistent with the duties of this position.

Reasoning Ability:

1. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and information furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Other Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of basic child guidance, principles, and practices.
2. Maintains appropriate confidentiality.
3. Knowledge of safe practices in the school environment.
4. Promotes a harassment-free environment.
5. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships; demonstrates a commitment to teamwork.
6. Ability to learn and utilize office equipment, computers, and software, especially as systems are upgraded.
7. Ability to learn and upgrade job skills in order to meet the changing demands of the position.
8. Excellent computer and keyboarding skills.
9. Excellent grammatical, spelling, and punctuation skills.
10. Ability to react well under pressure, handle and balance multiple demands at one time, work with frequent interruptions, and perform duties and tasks at expected levels of professionalism.
11. Knowledge of and ability to perform duties in compliance with all district, Board, state, and federal laws, methods, requirements, policies, procedures, and activities pertinent to the duties of this position.
12. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
13. Ability to use independent judgment and demonstrate initiative to act without being asked.
14. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent, Principal, and or his / her designee.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.