Para-Educator, Special Education

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of an administrator and general direction of a classroom teacher, assists the teacher in the education of students including management of student behavior;

hygiene and self-help, recordkeeping, instructional assistance; classroom safety, security, and organization; and interaction and communication with students, staff, and administration.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following functions / tasks :

• Observes and supervises classroom activities during the course of the instruction day to maintain a controlled and safe environment;
• Assists the teacher in the physical setup and cleanup of the classroom for group instruction, projects, and activities;
• After initial instruction by teacher, provides one-on-one and group instruction;
• Monitors students during bathroom breaks, lunch time, recess, and field trips;
• Assists students with self-help (including toileting and / or feeding), gross motor and social skills in all classroom settings;
• Assists students to and from buses and / or parent pick-up and drop-off;
• Communicates rules, expectations, and consequences to the students;
• Assists and reinforces classroom and individual behavior plans as directed by teacher;
• Collects data on student progress as defined by teacher;
• Provides struggling learners with prompts and cues related to teacher instruction;
• Assists the teacher in maintaining accurate records and reports including attendance records, daily charts of student progress, lunch count, emergency information, student files / records, and other various related forms;
• Provides coverage for teaching staff as needed;
• Maintains awareness of fire safety procedures, earthquake preparation and all other emergency contingency plans;
• Attends training regarding safety / security and behavior management as requested;
• Provides academic and behavioral support for students with IEPs in the general and special education settings;
• Implements Behavior Intervention Plans as directed;
• Models appropriate behavior for students; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK :

• High school diploma or general education development diploma (GED);
• Associate’s (or higher) Degree;
• Evidence of successful completion of Para-Professional Assessment, which accesses content knowledge in mathematics, reading, and writing and an understanding of how to assist in the instruction of these topics;
• Or equivalent training, education, and / or experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

• Ability to read and understand instructions, teaching materials and / or guides.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms with diverse populations.
• Ability to successfully supervise students.
• Ability to follow instructions with a minimum of direction.
• Ability to follow and give clear directions.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions within the framework of established guidelines.
• Ability to work without immediate supervision in direct one-on-one and small group instruction.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to carry out behavior management plans and conduct academic progress monitoring and testing.
• Ability to adapt to individual needs of teachers and students and work with interruptions;
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to understand and maintain confidentiality of student information.
• Ability to perform general clerical duties including record keeping and filing.
• Ability to accept, understand and relate to students who have behavioral, emotional, learning, or physical disabilities.
• Ability to assist students in the use of computers in the classroom.
• Ability to use standard office and classroom equipment.
• Ability to physically perform duties specific to the job assignment with or without accommodations.
• Willingness to be trained and updated in first aid and CPR, safety / security, and behavior management procedures.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :

None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

Work is typically performed at the school level and / or throughout the division. Frequent walking, standing, stooping, lifting, up to approximately 40 pounds, and occasional lifting of equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds may be required.

Other limited physical activities are required. Travel to schools throughout the division and central office is required.

Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels;

visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

Work environment exposes the employee to inside and outside environmental conditions. Regular contact with staff members, administrators, and parents is required.

Contact with parents by phone and in person is necessary. Timely and regular attendance is an expectation of performance for all CCPS employees.

To ensure adequate staffing, positive employee morale, and to meet expected productivity standards throughout the organization, employees will be held accountable for adhering to their workplace schedule.

EVALUATION :

The supervisor will evaluate performance on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities.