Special Education Paraprofessional

Special Education Paraprofessional

To assist the teacher with teaching related activities necessary for the efficient operation of the classroom. The Special Education Paraprofessional assists Special Education teachers in meeting the goals set forth for students in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The Special Education Paraprofessional may be required to move from one program area to another within the school day and/or from one school to another within the course of the school year.

Special education paraprofessionals assigned to support an individual child must provide support to other students deemed necessary, if needed.

High School Diploma or its equivalent

Must be Highly Qualified by means of:

• Passing score on the Paraprofessional Exam OR
• 48 semester credit hours with 6 hours in Math and 9 hours in English/Reading (3 of which must be in English Composition) OR
• Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science degree from a state-approved or regionally accredited institution of higher education.

Must possess effective written and oral self-expressive skills.

Satisfactory completion of Red Cross First Aid Course including CPR within 60 days of employment.

Assist the teacher with instructional-related activities and non-instructional assignments under the supervision of the teacher. (one-on-one or small group)

Work directly with students under the direction of instructional and/or pupil appraisal staff including speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, assistive technology facilitators, etc.

Perform non-complex medical procedures as outlined in Louisiana R.S. 17:436 (INCLUDED WITH JOB DESCRIPTION) or any other provision of state or federal law.

Assist and escort the student(s) to and from each destination and attend to the student's personal hygiene and care needs.

• When necessary, feed, toilet, lift, position, and assist with transporting students, upon proper instruction by parent, teacher, physical or occupational therapist, or school nurse.

Make accommodations/modifications for students under direction of supervising teacher(s).

Guide independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work set up and assigned to by the teacher.

Confer with the classroom teacher regarding major decisions relative to the students' assignments or problems of a disciplinary nature.

Assist the special education teacher specifically in activities related to the course of instruction; in planning, grading students' activities related to the course of instruction; in monitoring behaviors; in distributing and collecting instructional materials; and in maintaining neatness in the classroom.

Assist the teaching staff with duties such as playground duty, escorting students to and from the cafeteria, gymnasium, library, vocational training area, bathroom, etc.

Monitor student behavior and maintain documentation of care provided to the child.

Maintain confidentiality of student information.

Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Self-Evaluation

• Complete a self-evaluation and document the results on appropriate written forms.

Professional Growth Plan

• Develop a Professional Growth Plan in collaboration with the evaluation.

Supervision

• Supervise students as needed when students are on campus.
• Supervise students prior to school and/or drop-off, when assigned.
• Supervise students in the classroom, if needed
• Supervise students as needed between classes, during recess/intermission, during lunch, assemblies.
• Supervise students after school and/or pick-up, when assigned.

Instructional Components

• Fulfill duties traditionally expected of those in the paraprofessional profession.
• Accept and discharge assignments.
• Practice and model punctuality.
• Collaborate with colleagues and departments.
• Adhere to federal, state, system, and school policies and regulations.
• Conduct conferences as needed. Maintain positive and timely interaction with parents relative to the performance or conduct of students assigned to the counselor.
• Follow recommendations made by school administrators and district staff.
• Take part in the continuing in-service program of the schools.

School Support Activities

• Provide for the care and proper usage of school property. Maintain current inventory of items assigned to position.
• Attend meetings generally associated with the instruction of students.
• Attend faculty, staff, and department meetings.
• Attend ILT meeting if applicable.
• Attend training sessions.
• Attend IEP/IAP meetings, upon request.
• Attend parent-teacher conferences, upon request
• Attend back-to-school and open-house events.
• Attend graduation.
• Attend student discipline meetings/hearings, upon request.
• Attend school board/committee meetings, upon request.
• If requested, be responsible for a reasonable amount of co-curricular and other duties beyond the regular school day as determined by the building principal.
• Attend/work concessions/gates at athletic events within school year.
• Attend all meetings and functions of those activities, clubs, or groups of which…