Paraprofessional - Special Services

Paraprofessional:
Special Education

Salary and benefits in accordance with the Paraprofessional Contract. To view this document, please visit jths.org.

Position Title:

Paraprofessional:
Special Education

1. Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Stipulations:
Paraprofessional (PLS
- Paraprofessional) 2. Related experience to performance responsibilities
3. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find acceptable

Reports To:

Special Services Coordinator, AVAC Coordinator, or Director of Pathways

Job Goal:
To provide instructional assistance in an effort to facilitate the educational progress and growth of students in support of the department and JTHS.

Planning and Preparation

• Monitor functioning of technology equipment/supportive devices and report concerns regarding equipment to appropriate staff in a timely manner.
• Assist in the preparation of instructional materials including but not limited to visual aids, bulletin boards, or room displays.
• Keep accurate attendance records as directed.
• Collect, grade or correct student work as directed.
• Observe and record student health needs (e.g., food and liquid intake) when needed.
• Observe and record data related to student interactions, initiatives, etc.
• Maintain and organize student data files as directed.

School Environment

• Supervise and assist arrival and departure of students, by meeting buses or supervising entries, exits and grounds each day.
• Escort students to various settings throughout the building (from washroom and/or mainstreamed classes, passing periods, library, therapy sessions, etc.) as requested.
• Assist students in cleaning designated areas as assigned.
• Assist students in restrooms (supervise washroom breaks, changing diapers, changing briefs, clothing, or personal hygiene) as needed.
• Supervise students in various settings including during meals, P.E. activities or when otherwise requested.
• Model, prompt, and reinforce appropriate social behaviors.
• Facilitate appropriate social interaction among students.
• Assist in the follow through of planned behavior interventions.
• Provide physical proximity for students when needed.
• Transfer, lift, or position students as directed by appropriate professional personnel.
• Assist students in using wheelchair, stander, or other mobility devices when needed.
• Operate special equipment and/or systems as trained and directed in order to assist students with specific diagnoses (e.g. program computerized augmentative devices, braillers, etc.).
• Physical management of students.

Instruction

• Assist teachers with maintaining inclusive, learner-centered environments.
• Supervise guided or independent practice in classroom or community.
• Circulate, answering questions or providing assistance as requested.
• Prompt students in utilizing previously learned strategies to solve problems and gather information.
• Facilitate students' active participation in cooperative learning groups.
• Design educational material, instructional aides, and activities to support learning under the direction of classroom teacher.
• Under the direction of the teacher, review lessons, reinforce instructional concepts, and provide drill and practice opportunities with individuals or small groups of students.
• Take notes or scribe for students as directed.
• Assist students with life-skills based curriculum in school or community.
• Help students implement and self-manage organization skills.
• File, summarize, or otherwise organize student work.
• Support inclusion of students with disabilities into general education settings.
• Attend comprehensive planning team meetings when invited or directed to share information related to student progress, instructional, social or daily living needs.
• Assist students in using portable keyboards, computers or other devices under the direction of the teacher, speech pathologist, OT/PT, etc.
• Supervise or assist students using technology tools.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Establish a positive rapport with students, staff, and families.
• Consult or meet with teachers or other professionals as scheduled or directed.
• Participate in meetings by contributing information, ideas, and assistance related to student performance.
• Engage in positive solution finding steps to resolve areas of concern.
• Assist teachers in communication with families if and when directed.
• Consult with teacher or other direct supervisor about areas of concern.
• Request direction, instruction, or guidance for new or…