Class Paraprofessional

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Assist the special education teacher in providing instructional and physical support to learners with disabilities in both general and special education settings. Support classroom programs such as self‑help, behavior management, and instructional activities under the supervision of the campus principal and the certified special education teacher.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED certificate.
• College experience:
  Two years of study, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree; formal academic assessment may also satisfy this requirement.
• Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate (can be applied for after employment).

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

• Experience working with children with disabilities.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Effective communication skills.

EXPERIENCE

• Preferred:
  Experience working with school‑aged children.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Support

• Assist special educator with instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Help maintain a neat, orderly classroom and manage inventory of equipment.
• Support data collection for IEP progress and administrative record keeping.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Assist learners, as directed, in accessing grade‑level curriculum and extracurricular activities.
• Support use of digital devices for learning and assessment.

Learner Management

• Assist learners with physical disabilities, including transfers, lifting, and positioning.
• Support personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and hygiene.
• Manage learner behavior, intervening in crises and employing de‑escalation techniques.
• Adapt to each learner’s medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
• Conduct instructional exercises with individuals or small groups.
• Supervise learners throughout the school day, including lunchroom, playground, and safe movement in the building.

Other

• Participate in staff development, faculty meetings, and special events; receive training in aggressive behavior management as needed.
• Assist special educator in communicating with campus staff overseeing learners.
• Redirect parent queries to the special educator.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

WORKING CONDITIONS

Equipment Used

Digital technology;
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); printer, copier, fax machine;
Google Apps; learner‑specific equipment for communication and/or physical needs.

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent creative problem‑solving with instructional team members. Standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media, desks, and classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift/position learners with physical disabilities, use physical restraints, and assist non‑ambulatory learners. Exposure to biological hazards.