Paraprofessional

Para Professional

The Para Professional, under the direction of the teacher, shall adapt classroom activities, assignments, and/or materials as assigned for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing student, classroom, and school objectives. Under the direction of the teacher, the Para Professional shall implement instructional plans and behavioral plans designed by IEP team for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts. He/she shall monitor/assist students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments, including both 1:1 (PCA), whole and small group activities of daily living, and embedded in-class and out-of-class routines for the purpose of maintaining a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment. He/she shall participate in ongoing professional development as it relates to the position. He/she shall perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit. Building Based Para Professionals primary duty shall be to cover the duties of an absent, full-time Para-Professional.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform under the teacher's supervision and direction in all areas of school activities and instruction.
• Work with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills, initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assist with such large group activities as practice skill work, reading aloud, and story-telling, etc.
• Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Guide independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work set up and assigned by the teacher.
• Help students master technology or instructional materials, as assigned by the teacher.
• Implements under the direction of supervising instructional staff, instructional plans, and behavioral plans designed by IEP team for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts. Monitor and record academic and/or behavioral data on students as assigned.
• Assist in collaborative teaching activities, which may include working within the general education classroom.
• Assist in academic instruction carried out by certified itinerant teachers/related service providers.
• Distribute and collect workbooks, papers, and other materials for instruction.
• Assist with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips and other non-direct instructional periods.
• Read to students, listen to students read, and participate in other forms of oral communication with students.
• Assist students in activities of daily living such as: eating, dressing, toileting/hygiene, transitions, etc.
• Maintain clear and ongoing communication with educators in regard to any issue or special information about student(s). Maintaining a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students, and families in accordance with F.E.R.P.A.
• Serve as a primary source of information to and assist any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the usual teacher.
• Participate in in-service training programs, as assigned. Participates in ongoing professional development as it relates to the position.
• Maintains certification in CPI (non-violent Crisis Intervention), for positions that require CPI.
• A Building Based Para Professional's primary duty shall be to cover the duties of an absent, full-time Para Professional.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned by the teacher.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An Associate's Degree or successfully passed the Para Pro Test.
• Must have completed the Teacher Assistant Training Course.
• Ability to work well with children with disabilities.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of general office equipment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good organization skills.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, stretching, and walking. The employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is frequently required to use hands, handle or feel. The employee must be able to perform physical activities such as, but not limited to, lifting and/or moving light objects up to a minimum of twenty-five (25) pounds, and occasionally lift items over twenty-five (25) pounds. Any lifting over 40 lbs requires two (2) people.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to noise levels normally found in an office and school environment.