Paraeducator – Instructional Prekindergarten

Para educator – Instructional Prekindergarten

St. Mary's County Public Schools

Leonardtown Elementary School - Leonardtown, Maryland

Job

Starting Date:
Immediately

Current benefited staff of SMCPS who submit a timely application and meet the minimum qualifications for the position shall be granted an interview and shall be considered to fill the vacancy prior to external applicants being considered. Questions regarding your application and/or candidacy should be directed to the Department of Human Resources.

Position:
Para educator - Instructional Prekindergarten

Location:

Leonardtown Elementary School

Salary:
The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees - Range 9. ($27,999 - $42,351)

Effective:
August 2026

The para educator will work under the direction of the classroom teacher to support the delivery of developmentally appropriate learning opportunities. The position is a ten-month position that has the responsibility to provide instructional support to students and support for teachers as needed. The position will support the instructional needs of the classroom. The work is performed under the general direction of the classroom teacher and in collaboration with the school administration.

The para educator may be assigned by the building principal or the principal’s designee to support any elementary grade level (Pre-Kindergarten through Grade
5), as needed.

• Ability to professionally relate to and collaborate with co-workers, students, and community members
• Ability to understand and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to use technology effectively to complete tasks
• Ability to report to work daily and on time
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions
• Ability to work under pressure
• Possess effective organizational skills
• Possess effective written and oral communication skills
• Possess knowledge of the programs, policies, and procedures of the St. Mary’s County Public School System

• Works collaboratively with the classroom teacher or the Instructional Resource Teacher (IRT) and at times, works independently to support the instructional goals of the students and class
• Maintains a safe and orderly learning environment
• Assists students with instructional activities and projects, and assists the classroom teacher with maintaining and organizing materials of instruction
• Meets regularly with the teacher at a designated time for planning and evaluating student's progress
• Assists in developing learning activities with the teacher or IRT
• Assists in guiding students in working and playing with others
• Provides escort and assistance to students as necessary
• Assists in the supervision of students on trips and other school-related activities
• Assists teachers in conducting home visits to families as needed
• Assists in the family-style eating opportunities provided to students in the Pre-Kindergarten Program
• Assist teachers and other professionals in maintaining and updating information in student records
• Attends to toileting and diapering needs of students enrolled in the program
• Prepares, under the direction of the teacher or IRT, appropriate learning activities, stations, and materials
• Reinforces learning activities with appropriate audio-visual aids and other materials
• Assist teacher in maintaining neat work and center areas
• Assists in activities planned for and with parents
• Attends workshops and in-service training sessions
• Performs other related and non-related job duties as assigned

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate's degree OR
• A Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate OR
• Five years in an Early Childhood Public School before June 30, 2024, with effective evaluation

Preferred:

• Related college courses or training
• Experience working with children

Full-time ten-month position.

The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees - Range 9.

Position Type:
Full-Time

Salary: $27,999 to $42,351 per year

Job Requirements:

High School/Trade School degree preferred. Citizenship, residency or work visa required.