Para - SPED Preschool

Special Education Para educator II - E-2

Job incumbents work under general direction of the building administrator and under specific direction of the classroom teacher. The primary purpose of this job is to assist the teacher with implementation of an educational program for special education students by providing instruction as assigned, behavior management, preparation of classroom materials, and primary care of life skills students such as lifting, toileting, washing and feeding.

Assignment may be at the elementary or secondary level.

Depending upon the needs of the students and the direction given by the special education teacher, any or all of the following essential functions may be applicable to the job assignment.

• Assists with IEP preparation at the direction of the classroom teacher. Monitors timelines for due process with re-evaluations and IEP's under the guidance of the special education teacher.
• Assists with preparation for and implementation of behavior management techniques, educational and vocational instruction and vocational placement programs.
• Instructs students in large or small groups or one-to-one as assigned by and under the direction of the special education teacher.
• Assists students with hygiene and personal needs, such as lifting, toileting, washing and feeding. May prepare and give intervention and medication, or conduct certain medical treatments following training by, and under the direction of, licensed nursing staff. Such treatments may include, but are not limited to: catheterization, nasogastric feedings, suctioning, supervision of a student self-administering glucose checks or insulin injections, seizure management, individualized emergency medical plans, etc.
• Administers or assists special education teacher with administration of assessment instruments.
• Prepares materials for use by student, teacher and parents; types, hand draws, reproduces and collates.
• Maintains class during special education teacher's absence. Supervises students during lunch, recess, on and off the bus, assembly, and to other building locations.
• Uses personal computer for data entry and to produce correspondence and reports; operates typewriter, copier, FAX and other office machines.
• Under the direction of the special education teacher, maintains students records and files such as FTE count, month end reports, schedules, attendance records, credits earned and required classes and credits for graduation. May monitor three (3) year evaluations for state compliance.
• May transport and/or accompany students on field trips and other outings.
• May assist with profile development for education and vocation planning.
• May work with high risk students who display significant behavior concerns as part of their disability who display significant behavior concerns as part of their disability.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The essential functions listed above are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The position may perform a variety of non-essential functions consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or its recognized equivalent (GED) and must meet one of the following:
• Have received a passing score on one of the assessments approved by the board;
• Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university;
• Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university;
• Have completed an apprenticeship as a para educator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council
• Two (2) years of successful work experience with special education students.

Board approved assessments

• ETS Para Pro test takers must meet or exceed Washington's qualifying score of 455.
• Pearson Paraprofessional test takers must meet or exceed 220 (that score is equivalent to the 50 out of 72 scorable multiple choice questions set by the Board).
• Master Teacher Inc. test takers must meet or exceed 65%. A candidate must receive a passing score on each of the two assessments to be certified.

Required Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the following:
• Classroom/behavior management techniques
• Special Education terminology
• Lifting, toileting and feeding techniques
• Restraint techniques
• Verbal de-escalation
• Ability to work independently and to independently learn operations, procedures. processes and uses of equipment.
• Skill in handling, storing, and transmitting confidential information in compliance with FERPA and HIPAA requirements.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and knowledge of proper lifting techniques.
• Ability to communicate and interact clearly, concisely, courteous and respectfully with students, parents, guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to adjust to new and different working conditions.
• Ability to learn and implement medical intervention techniques under the direction of a knowledgeable professional under the direction of a knowledgeable…