Paraprofessional (Full-time Special Education)

Paraprofessional (Full-time Special Education)
Starting Salary: $20.16/hr.

Qualifications:

• Must meet educational requirements for "highly qualified paraprofessional," as defined by the federal laws, No Child Left Behind, and IDEA. Must meet educational requirements of Chapter 14, PA Code 22.
• Must meet basic reading, writing, and math competencies.
• Valid Act 34, 114, and Act 151 clearances.
• Valid tuberculosis test and physical examination with ADA reasonable accommodations stipulated, as appropriate.
• Must continue to meet the required annual obligations of Chapter 14, PA Code 22: 20 hours of approved staff development activities related to their assignment.
• U. S. citizen or holder of a valid work visa.
• Such additional or alternatives to the above qualifications as the board or superintendent may determine appropriate and acceptable.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Summary
An instructional paraprofessional is a school employee who works under the direction of a certificated staff member to support and assists in providing instructional, behavioral, and functional programs and services to children with disabilities or eligible young children. The support and assistance include one-on-one or group review of material taught by certificated staff, classroom management and implementation of positive behavior support plans. Services may be provided in a special education class, regular education class or other instructional setting (e.g., community-based instruction) as provided in the student's IEP. Instructional paraprofessionals shall meet one of the following qualifications:

• Have completed at least 2 years of postsecondary study.
• Possess an associate degree or higher.
• Meet a rigorous standard of quality as demonstrated through a State or local assessment.
• Participate in 20 hours of approved staff development activities annually.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the principal and other professionals in maintaining a safe and orderly school environment.
• Assist the special education and regular education teachers in the delivery of appropriate instructional and tutorial strategies as per the individualized educational plan (IEP).
• Under the direction of the teacher, provide instructional support for the purpose of supporting/reinforcing lessons (e.g., administering tests, tutoring or reinforcing instruction).
• Under the direction of the teacher, collect observational and academic data for the purpose of progress monitoring.
• Maintain students' files/records for the purpose of documenting activities and/or providing reliable information.
• Under the direction of the teacher, follow and implement positive behavior support plans.
• Handle students' personal needs (e.g., feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) for the purpose of providing care to students who may or may not have medical conditions, but the medical concern is not the primary orientation for the student.
• Assist students' safe transitions from/to locations and environments within and around the school (e.g., bus, cafeteria, community-based instruction, etc.).
• Participate in specialized training related to specific individualized needs of eligible students with IEPs.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA regulations/Chapter 14.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations as per standing orders and other policies and procedures.
• Perform such other tasks within the expectation of this job category and/or assume such other responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the Superintendent of Schools, principal, or Director of Special Education.
• When another paraprofessional (personal care assistant or educational interpreter) assigned within the building is absent (short-term), the administrator of the building may reassign other paraprofessionals to support special education students based on a priority of needs.
• If the instructional paraprofessional is assigned to work with one student and the student is absent, the administrator of the building may reassign the paraprofessional during the absence of the student within special education.
• Perform such other tasks within the expectation of this job category and/or assume such other responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the Superintendent of Schools, principal, or Director of Special Education.

The Allentown School District is committed to excellence! The richness of The Allentown School District's diversity is strengthened by its central role in educating our students for America's future through academic excellence and celebrating the culturally responsive, athletic and artistic range of talent in the schools. ASD students originate from 51 countries and speak 26 languages.

The Allentown School District offers a comprehensive benefits package to those who qualify.
This may include*
o Medical Insurance
o Dental Insurance
o Vision Reimbursement
o Tuition Reimbursement
o Personal and Sick time
o PSERS Retirement Fund