Special Education Paraeducator

Special Education Paraeducator St. Mary's County Public Schools, Chopticon High School – Mechanicsville, Maryland Job Details Job ID: 5814373 Starting Date: Aug 18, 2026 Salary : $27,999 to $42,351 per year (EASMC-ESP salary schedule, range 9, ten‑month, seven‑hour employees) Effective : August 2026 Location : Chopticon High School Current benefited staff of SMCPS who submit a timely application and meet the minimum qualifications for the position shall be granted an interview and shall be considered to fill the vacancy prior to external applicants being considered. Questions regarding your application and/or candidacy should be directed to the Department of Human Resources.

NATURE OF WORK

The Special Education Paraeducator works under the direction of the building administrator, classroom teacher and other school/central office resource staff to provide services and support to students with disabilities and to support the full implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) /Individual and Family Service Plan (IFSP).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Ability to professionally relate to and collaborate with co-workers, students, and community members Ability to understand and maintain confidentiality Ability to use technology effectively to complete tasks Ability to report to work daily and on time Ability to work independently Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions Ability to work under pressure Possess knowledge of the programs, policies, and procedures of the St. Mary’s County Public School System Possess effective organizational skills Possess effective written and oral communication skills

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists students with developmental needs with adaptive and daily living skills, which may include movement, toileting, feeding, dressing, self‑help, and positioning in adaptive equipment/devices Meets with the teacher on a regular basis to plan for and review instructional programs Implements instructional/behavioral plans and protocols in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Program/Individual and Family Service Plan Collects data on academic/behavioral programs as directed by the special education teacher and school-based/county-based administrators Provides instructional/behavioral/self‑help assistance to students as necessary throughout the school day Possesses and maintains CPI certifications when assigned to regional programs (COMPASS, TIDES, SAIL, LAP, PSSE, and Infants & Toddlers) Maintains appropriate safety standards while assisting students during arrival and departure times Assists the teacher and/or other professionals in record keeping Keeps required materials readily available for follow‑up activities Operates and maintains equipment specific to their assigned area Assists teachers with preparation of classroom‑based materials, appropriate learning activities and supports Accompanies and supports students to special areas classes, related arts, lunch/recess, and field trips Performs other related and non‑related job duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required: High School Diploma or GED Forty‑eight (48) semester college credits OR a passing score on one of the following Paraprofessional Assessments (documents must be uploaded in application): ParaPro – prior to August 2026 ParaPathways – 5757 Foundations of Classroom Support – 517 Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction – 519 For Pre‑K paraeducators: must have an associate degree OR CDA licensure by July 1, 2027, OR 5 years of publicly funded Pre‑K experience prior to July 1, 2024 Preferred: Related college classes or training Experience working with children

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

Full‑time ten‑month position.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Citizenship, residency or work visa required

BARGAINING UNIT ELIGIBILITY

EASMC-ESP

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