Paraeducator – Instructional Prekindergarten

Job Title and Details

Para educator – Instructional Prekindergarten

St. Mary's County Public Schools

George Washington Carver Elementary School – Lexington Park, Maryland

Job

Starting Date:
Immediately

Effective Date:
August 18, 2026

Job Type: Full-time ten-month position

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; the para educator provides instructional support to students and support for teachers as needed. 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 to support any elementary grade level (Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade
5), as needed.

• Professionally relate to and collaborate with co‑workers, students, and community members.
• Understand and maintain confidentiality.
• Use technology effectively to complete tasks.
• Report to work daily and on time.
• Work independently.
• Follow both written and verbal instructions.
• 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.

• Collaborate with the classroom teacher or Instructional Resource Teacher and sometimes work independently to support instructional goals.
• Maintain a safe and orderly learning environment.
• Assist students with instructional activities and projects, and assist the classroom teacher in maintaining and organizing materials of instruction.
• Meet regularly with the teacher at a designated time for planning and evaluating student progress.
• Assist in developing learning activities with the teacher or IRT.
• Guide students in working and playing with others.
• Provide escort and assistance to students as necessary.
• Supervise students on trips and other school‑related activities.
• Assist teachers in conducting home visits to families as needed.
• Assist in family‑style eating opportunities provided to students in the Pre‑Kindergarten Program.
• Maintain and update information in student records.
• Attend to toileting and diapering needs of students enrolled in the program.
• Prepare appropriate learning activities, stations, and materials under direction of teacher or IRT.
• Reinforce learning activities with appropriate audio‑visual aids and other materials.
• Assist in maintaining neat work and center areas.
• Plan and conduct activities planned for and with parents.
• Attend workshops and in‑service training sessions.
• Perform other related and non‑related job duties as assigned.

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Associate’s degree (documents must be uploaded in application).
• Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate (documents must be uploaded in application).
• 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.

Salary will be based on the EASMC‑ESP salary schedule for ten‑month seven‑hour employees – Range 9: $27,999 to $42,351 per year.

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.