Paraprofessional

Paraprofessional/Instructional Assistant

Reports To: Coordinator of Special Services and/or Building Principal

Qualifications: High School Diploma College-level coursework in education or related fields (preferred). Highly Qualified* Demonstrated ability to assist with instructional activities and to communicate effectively with students, parents, and school staff. Knowledge of diverse needs of children with disabilities and appropriate special education classroom practices. Required: Criminal and employment history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship. *In programs funded with federal Title I funds, or in district-wide Title I districts, all paraprofessionals (teaching assistants) hired after January 8, 2002, must complete at least two years of college, obtain an associate's degree or higher, or pass an evaluation to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to assist in teaching reading, writing, and math. Those hired before that date have until January 8, 2006, to meet one of the requirements.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Assist with the physical needs of the special education pupil in their care, including putting on and taking off outerwear, moving from room to room, and using the lavatory.
• Assist with individualized instruction and work with small groups of students under the supervision of the special education teacher to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assist, where appropriate, in loading and unloading the special education pupil from transportation buses or vans.
• Complete clerical duties as assigned by the special education classroom teacher.
• Assist pupils with various projects, crafts, and curriculum tasks.
• Assist in the supervision of children on field trips planned by the teacher.
• Assist in playground supervision.
• Engage children in conversation to encourage language development.
• Assist physically handicapped children, particularly those who rely upon appliances and prosthetics.
• Perform other appropriate duties that are assigned by the special education teacher or building principal directly related to a positive learning experience for special education pupils.

Terms of Employment: Salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education.

Evaluation: The performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with state law and provisions of the board's policy on the evaluation of non-certified staff.