Special Education Paraeducator

Special Education Assistant

Implements supplementary services for students with special needs as indicated in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) under the supervision of the special education teacher, and other related services.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma
• Associate Degree in Education, or related field preferred
• Must pass a background check

Performance Responsibilities:

• Preparation: Adapt classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the classroom teacher/special education case teacher and related services to meet Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals.
• The Classroom Environment: Assist individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus zones, cafeteria, assemblies, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Assist with student's daily schedule and implement any other plans for the purpose of meeting the IEP goals.
• Instruction: Implement instructional programs and lesson plans for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts under the direction of the classroom teacher, special education teacher or related services.
• Provide supplementary services to students in a variety of individual and group activities for the purpose of implementing IEP goals under the direction of the classroom teacher/special education case teacher.
• Implement behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts and meeting IEP goals.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Communicate with teachers and other district personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP goals.
• Engage in reflective practice.
• Document student progress with accurate and accessible systems for tracking student learning and other records; use these systems efficiently and effectively.
• Contribute to school community and culture by participating in events, programs, or activities that further the culture of learning in the school and bring the values of the school to life through modeling and positive action.
• Regularly seek out and identify high-quality opportunities to grow and learn, identifying problems of practice or areas of inquiry that inform individual and collaborative learning opportunities.
• Exhibit high standards of ethical practice and wise decision making on behalf of students, families, and colleagues.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Special Education Assistant Director, or Principal.

Additional Responsibilities for Highly Disabled Students:

• Lift, move, and operate adaptive equipment.
• Assist students with personal care tasks, including but not limited to, lavatory, clothing, hygiene, diapering, toileting, and wash-up routines.
• Assist students with mobility needs such as, lifting and positioning students, lifting in and out of wheelchairs; loading and unloading on the bus; transporting students in and round the school.
• Assist with breakfast, lunch, snack, including clean-up.

Additional Responsibilities for Students with High Behavior Needs:

• Knowledge of positive reinforcement, de-escalation techniques, and behavior intervention plans.
• Providing clear expectations and routines to help students feel secure.
• Training in techniques to handle aggressive or disruptive behaviors safely.
• Monitoring and recording behaviors to identify patterns and triggers.
• Being vigilant to subtle changes in behavior mood.
• Adapting to the individual needs of students and responding to unexpected situations.

Adheres to:

• Ed. 510: Code of Conduct for New Hampshire Educators
• Guiding Principles: The Code of Ethics for New Hampshire Educators
• All district school board policies and procedures
• All district handbooks

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to accept feedback
• Independent learner
• Dependability
• Concern for others
• Self-control
• Adaptability/flexibility
• Integrity
• Initiative
• Cooperation
• Persistence
• Innovation
• Analytical thinking
• Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
• Updating and using relevant knowledge
• Making decisions and solving problems
• Thinking creatively
• Communicating with supervisors, colleagues, families, community, and students
• Developing and building teams
• Resolving conflicts and negotiating with others
• Analyzing data or information
• Performing administrative activities such as paperwork

Technology Skills:

• Electronic mail software
• Multimedia educational software
• Google applications

Physical Demands:

• Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate computers, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.
• Exposure to a variety of childhood and adult diseases and illnesses.
• Occasional exposure to various weather conditions.
• Exposure to a range of heating, air conditioning and ventilation conditions.
• Function in a workplace that is usually moderately quiet but can be noisy at times.

Terms of Employment:

Benefits and Wages as outlined in the Support Staff Collective Bargaining Agreement. Exempt from overtime pay. On-site. Full-time.