Paraeducator - FAST Program

Paraprofessional

Paraprofessionals are critical members of the teaching, learning and support staff from Pre-K to Grade 12 and Postgraduate students. Primarily, paraprofessionals are part of the student services staff, working with students with disabilities to support their needs through general education and modified learning experiences. Paraprofessionals work under the guidance of special education teachers, service providers, and classroom teachers. Paraprofessionals report to building administration.

Paraprofessionals are expected to perform the following duties:

• Under supervision of a certified teacher, and in accordance with students' IEPs, prepare for classroom instructional events and other educational or non-educational activities.
• Assist the teacher in implementing special strategies and interventions developed by the teacher for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Provide positive and appropriate role models for students at all times and treat students with the respect due to them as individual members of the community.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, colleagues, and other related matters.
• Assist in the teaching process and work directly with children to provide class support in the areas of academics, social skills, self-care (ADL's), and vocational tasks.
• Assist and reinforce generalization in skill development and community integration.
• Assist with addressing student behavior and encouraging effort in the classroom.
• Use Online Platforms through Google Classroom, and other adopted digital tools, to support student learning.
• Through consultation with Special Education Staff, familiarize yourself with the responsibility for implementation of students' IEPs, district policies, and procedures.
• Serve as a resource person about the student(s) in communicating with the teachers regarding specific instruction with students relative to specific goal attainment.
• Assist in behavioral interventions/able to achieve CPI certification (full restraint training provided).
• Assist in implementing treatment plans, safety plans, and behavior plans, etc. for various students in order to create a successful learning experience.
• Data collection as instructed.
• Work as a member of a team with other staff members (BCBA, SLP, School Psychologist, Social Worker, OT, etc.).
• Be able to apply ABA Strategies as directed and needed (training provided).
• Execute discrete trials, de-escalation techniques, and positive behavioral interventions as needed (training provided).
• Assist in toileting certain students with disabilities (if required).
• Lift and carry certain students with disabilities per IEP (if required).

Paraprofessionals work with individuals and small groups of students to:

• Reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assist with self-help and independence skills.
• Implement remedial and review exercises and practice and drill work as outlined by the teacher.
• Aid independent study, enrichment, or remedial work as provided by the teacher,
• Help students master instructional tasks assigned by teachers.
• Assist in test taking, use of instructional technology, and reading to students.
• Observe and make notes of the observation on performance and behaviors.
• Implement curriculum modifications or accommodations designed by professional staff.

Paraprofessionals are expected to assist teachers with non-instructional duties, such as:

• Escorting and supervising movement of students throughout the school.
• Proctoring testing and providing make up work assistance.
• Toileting, including diaper changing.

Paraprofessionals are expected to assist in the administrative duties of the school during normal school hours, including such duties as:

• Provide supervision/monitoring of students during breaks, lunches, community trips, and other times as assigned/necessary, including covering for absent members of the teaching staff.
• The supervision of pupils passing in the corridors and during fire drills and assemblies.
• Assist students in situations other than their regular assignment as requested by the teacher.
• Temporary assignment by the principal to additional…