Special Education Paraprofessional

Special Education Paraprofessional

Ferndale Public Schools is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and student-focused Special Education Paraprofessional to support students with diverse learning, behavioral, communication, and physical needs in a self-contained classroom at our upper elementary building. Working under the direction of certified teachers and administrators, this paraprofessional will play a vital role in supporting students in our resource programs access instruction, develop independence, and experience success in inclusive and specialized learning environments.

The successful candidate will provide academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and personal care support while fostering a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all students.

Responsibilities include assisting with classroom instruction, implementing accommodations and behavior supports, supporting students during daily routines and transitions, and collaborating with teachers, related service providers, and others to meet individual student needs. Some assignments may include supporting medically fragile students, assisting with personal care, and providing physical assistance as needed.

Ferndale Public Schools is committed to creating equitable learning environments where every student can thrive. We are looking for team members who demonstrate patience, flexibility, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to supporting the growth, dignity, and success of every learner.

Qualifications include successful volunteer and/or work experience with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cognitive Impairments (CI) and/or other disabilities preferred, experience working with upper elementary students (grades 3-5) is preferred, excellent interpersonal skills, exemplary attendance record, ability to work and cooperate with others, ability to perform gross motor activities, such as running, climbing, etc., ability to follow directions and work independently, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Duties and responsibilities include providing general assistance with students and their needs, assisting in the supervision of student classroom activities, working with groups of children to accomplish a specific task assigned by the teacher, sharing the responsibility of safety and well-being of students, providing classroom level supports, accommodations, visual schedules, and related tools, serving as a cooperative and productive team member, maintaining positive attitude and atmosphere, assisting medically fragile students with minor procedures, assisting in toileting of students when necessary, may require heavy lifting, frequent movement, and physical support, on site presence required, and other duties as assigned.