Paraeducator

Title

High Needs Classroom Paraprofessional

• Associate degree or 60 college credit hours or pass the ETS ParaPRO Assessment Test
• Educator License with Stipulations (ELS) and a Paraprofessional Endorsement
• Experience and training to work effectively with at‑risk students
• Evidence of emotional stability and maturity

Reports to: School Administrator

Supervisor: School Administrator

Responsible for providing classroom support on a daily basis to students and teachers in the special education program by providing physical, emotional, academic support and assisting students in accessing the district's special education program.

• Student Care
  • Provide continuous support to student(s) with significant disabilities in the classroom.
  • Assist with personal care needs, including toileting, feeding, and mobility.
  • Implement individualized behavior management strategies.
  • Support students in using assistive technology and communication devices.
• Instructional Support
  • Implement highly modified curriculum under teacher direction.
  • Provide hand‑over‑hand assistance for academic and life skill activities.
  • Use multi‑sensory approaches to reinforce learning concepts.
  • Adapt classroom materials to meet individual student needs.
• Behavior Management and Safety
  • Implement behavior intervention plans for students with challenging behaviors.
  • Use de‑escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies when necessary.
  • Ensure student safety at all times, including during transitions and emergencies.
  • Monitor and document behavioral incidents and interventions.
• Health and Medical Support
  • Monitor student’s health status and report any concerns immediately.
  • Implement care plans for students with specific medical needs.
• Social and Communication Support
  • Facilitate social interactions between high‑needs students and peers.
  • Support the use of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
  • Encourage and model appropriate social behaviors.
  • Assist in developing and implementing social stories and visual schedules.
• Data Collection and Progress Monitoring
  • Collect detailed data on student performance and behavior as requested.
  • Document daily activities, interventions, and student responses.
  • Assist in preparing reports for IEP meetings and progress updates.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Work closely with special education teachers, therapists, and other support staff.
  • Participate in team meetings and contribute to student planning.
  • Maintain regular communication with parents/guardians about daily activities and progress.
  • Cooperate with general education teachers for inclusive activities.
  • Assist in creating visual supports and structured learning spaces.
• Professional Development
  • Attend specialized training on supporting students with significant disabilities as required.
  • Learn and implement specific therapeutic techniques (e.g., positioning, sensory integration).
  • Stay current with best practices in supporting students with complex needs.
  • Participate in training for crisis intervention and emergency procedures.

• Daily care logs.
• Instructional materials (highly adapted materials, worksheets, visual aids).
• Behavior documentation (incident reports, data sheets).
• Health and safety records (health reports, emergency responses).
• Progress monitoring data (IEP goal progress sheets).
• Professional development records (certificates, workshop notes).

• Individual student progress (achievement of individualized education goals).
• Health and well‑being improvements.
• Behavior and emotional regulation.
• Communication skills.
• Social integration.
• Life skills development.
• Academic engagement.
• Family support and satisfaction.
• Classroom dynamics.
• Staff competence and collaboration.
• School culture and awareness.
• Long‑term student outcomes.

176‑day classified position with salary and hours to be established by the Board of Education. 7.0 hours per day.

Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions established by the Board of Education.

In accordance with the USW (United Steelworkers) Negotiated Agreement.

This job description has been reviewed and is in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.