Paraprofessional - Special Education

Bryant School District

Paraprofessional - Special Education

Department: Pre‑K, Elementary, Middle School, Junior High, or High School

Job Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

Reports To: Building Administrator and Special Education Director

Grade/Level: Classified

Travel Required: Varies

Job Type: Regular

Positions Supervised: None

Work Schedule: 181‑day contract. Hours are typically 7:30‑4:00 daily with a 30‑minute lunch and two 15‑minute breaks. Schedule may vary.

Position Summary: To support teachers and other certified personnel in the implementation of instruction and related services for students with disabilities.

• Provide extra assistance to students with special needs, such as non‑English‑speaking students or those with physical and mental disabilities.
• Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, elective classes, gymnasiums, or on field trips.
• Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.
• Enforce administrative policies and rules governing students.
• Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
• Observe students' performance, and record relevant data to assess progress.
• Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, or supervised role‑playing methods.
• Provide disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities such as restrooms.
• Operate computers in classrooms and laboratories and assist students with hardware and software use.
• Reinforce instructional activities with students as directed by the teacher.
• Assist in the preparation of instructional materials.
• Observe and respect confidentiality as it applies to all students.
• Implement therapeutic activities including OT, PT, and Speech and Behavioral support under the direction of the special education teacher and school therapists.
• Implement Intensive Crisis Management protocols after training and certification.
• Assist teacher in maintaining the classroom.
• Assist with duties as assigned in the lunchroom, during physical activity periods, on the bus, etc.
• Escort students to elective classes and facilitate their inclusion and participation.
• Attend extracurricular and school‑sanctioned events with students as assigned.
• Attend professional development as directed and implement strategies at the direction of the teacher.
• After training by school nurse, administer student medication in accordance with school policy with appropriate documentation.
• Assist students in practicing and participating in Special Olympics at the discretion of the special education teachers.
• Provide and document personal care for students with disabilities, which may include the following:
  • Lifting and positioning of students
  • Changing clothes/diapers
  • Catheterization
  • Tube feedings
  • Oral feeding and food preparation
  • Oral suctioning
  • Tracheostomy care
  • Brushing of teeth
  • Monitoring and documenting seizures
  • Monthly cycle care
• Ride a special education bus, as required, to ensure safety of students with disabilities. Duties may include the following:
  • Physically assist students on and off the bus
  • Ensure that seat belts and/or harnesses are securely fastened during the route
  • Operate wheelchair lift and tiedowns
  • Provide behavioral support as needed
  • Maintain visual supervision of students at all times to ensure safety
  • Assist with evacuation drills
  • Maintain roster and check students on/off the bus
  • Assist the driver as a "look‑out" in difficult situations
  • Inform the driver of any damage or needed repairs
• Report to the proper authorities any cases of suspected child endangerment, neglect, or abuse.
• Report suspected bullying to building principal or designee as required by Arkansas law and district policies.
• Adhere to all policies of the District.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Administrator and Special Education Director.

• Accountability – Ability to accept responsibility and account for…