Educational Support Professional - Kindergarten

Educational Support Professional (Paraprofessional) - Kindergarten

Starting Date: Aug 24, 2026

Type: Chicopee Education Association (Unit

E) Collective Bargaining Agreement

Salary: Per Unit E Contract

Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Building Principal for evaluation and classroom teacher for day-to-day assignments

Title: Educational Support Professional (includes General Education, Special Education, ELL, Early Childhood, Computer Lab)

Objective: The primary function of a paraprofessional is to perform duties as assigned by the classroom teacher in the delivery of the district curriculum in multiple ways that increase student learning and achievement.

• Work with small groups of students
• Administer, correct and communicate basic analysis of student assessments
• Utilize the conclusions derived from assessment analysis in subsequent instruction
• Instruct students on rules of conduct and expected behaviors
• Bring academic, social and motor issues to the attention of the classroom teacher
• Support class objectives and outlines that align with the district approved curriculum
• Maintain records, attendance and assessments as required by the classroom teacher
• Assist in preparation of classroom materials
• Assist in the delivery of differentiated instruction in an appropriate manner consistent with district curriculum
• Provide timely feedback to the classroom teacher regarding student progress in academic, social and motor skills
• Assist students with activities of daily living, including diapering and toileting needs as necessary
• Undergo training in the knowledge and performance areas identified for the specific assignment (e.g., Responsive Classroom Techniques, Implementation of a Student Behavior Plan, Use of a communication board, Physical Restraint and Verbal De‑escalation Techniques, Mathematics supplementary services/programs/support, ELA supplementary services/programs/support, Read Naturally, Linda Mood Bell)
• Work independently by appropriately using the directions given by the classroom teacher
• Demonstrate dependability, time management, receptive and expressive communication skills to effectively perform the assignment
• Build on strengths and act on suggestions in areas needing improvement
• Be flexible and adapt quickly to new situations in an ever‑changing educational environment
• Demonstrate sound judgment
• Maintain an effective, professional working relationship with others (e.g., paraprofessionals, teachers, staff, parents, guardians, administrators)
• Resolve conflict well and seek assistance when appropriate
• Maintain a learning environment that is both physically and emotionally safe
• Assist in the communication and enforcement of federal and state laws and regulations, as well as district policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned by the principal, school administration or superintendent of schools
• If primarily assigned to the computer lab, responsible for equipment, instructional materials, software, hardware, assisting targeted students in running software, maintaining daily records of student use and progress, and maintaining an inventory of lab resources

• High School Diploma required; additional college level coursework;
  Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Passing score on the DESE‑endorsed assessment (Work Keys or Para Pro) if no college degree
• Bilingual (Spanish, English, Farsi, Russian, etc.) preferred
• Previous experience preferred

• Physical Requirements:
  
  Able to operate a variety of equipment; lift up to 30 pounds; stand, crouch and bend for long periods
• Data Conception:
  Ability to compare and judge observable characteristics of data, people or things
• Interpersonal Communication:
  Ability to speak and signal people to convey information; give instructions
• Language Ability:
  Read various correspondence; prepare reports, forms, procedures; speak before groups
• Intelligence:
  Apply logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data and draw conclusions; interpret instructions
• Verbal Aptitude:
  Record and deliver information; explain procedures; follow written instructions; understand technical terminology
• Numerical Aptitude:
  Use basic mathematics, algebra, geometry, decimals, percentages
• Form/Spatial Aptitude:
  Inspect items for proper dimensions
• Motor Coordination:
  Coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately
• Manual Dexterity:
  Handle office equipment and hand tools with minimal coordination
• Interpersonal:
  Deal with people beyond giving instructions; adaptable under stress or emergencies
• Physical Communication:
  Talk, hear, use telephone, communication boards or devices to communicate with students

Position Type: Full‑Time

Salary Range: $22,777 to $36,324 Per Year

• At least 3 years of relevant experience preferred
• Associate degree preferred
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required