Special Education Paraprofessional - Specialized Placement Classroom

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, the assistant will support certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and help free them from non‑professional duties such as proctoring study halls so they can focus on curriculum development.

Assist certified professional staff with students to achieve instructional goals, freeing them from non‑professional duties and enabling contribution to other educational program aspects, such as curriculum development.

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests, and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record‑keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions and ensure a safe, orderly classroom where students stay on task.
• Assists students in non‑instructional areas such as supervising the student lunch program, bus duty, gym, corridor, and other related areas.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of supervising.
• Constructs, copies, distributes, and uses educational materials as needed.
• Assists the teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP objectives.
• Participates in the IEP process and serves as a resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assists students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living to maximize participation in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

• Assist guidance, pupil services staff, or building administration, as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

• Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

• Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply, and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to the supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

• Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.

Note:

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all‑inclusive of every task or responsibility.