Special Education Paraprofessional; AFS

Paraprofessional

The paraprofessional must have excellent communication skills, and the ability to work with children, faculty and the general public in a diplomatic, friendly and efficient manner. Candidates must meet both of the following requirements:
Federal Paraprofessional Qualification Candidates must meet one of the following: 60 or more college credit hours Passing score on the Para Pro Assessment Completion of Missouri's 20-hour online substitute training program with high school diploma/transcript or equivalent Candidates with a minimum of 60 college credit hours are preferred. Missouri Substitute Certificate Candidates must hold or obtain a current Missouri Substitute Certificate issued by DESE by meeting one of the following:
Minimum of 36 semester credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university Completion of 20 clock hours of department-approved substitute teacher training (available through Frontline Education, Kelly Education, or approved Missouri colleges and universities) Position Classification Support Staff Fair Labor Standards Act Non-Exempt Supervisor:
Paraprofessional will be supervised by the Building Principal and Lead Teacher. (In addition, the Building Principal may collaborate with the Director of Special Education as needed.)

Position Summary:

The role of the paraprofessional is to provide additional support in the classrooms and during school activities where students with diagnosed moderate to severe educational disabilities are served. The paraprofessional's goal is to assist in providing a well-organized, smooth functioning, positive classroom environment in which all students can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resource materials. The paraprofessional will possess good people skills, flexibility, be a self-starter, and have the ability to adjust to change.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Collaborate with and assist the Lead Teacher in instruction and supervision across all settings including implementation of special strategies for reinforcing skills based on the special needs and abilities of each student with respect to individual differences and maintenance of supportive and inclusive environments. Assist with the preparation of instructional resources and strategies designed to support the individual needs of each student.

Carry out work responsibilities effectively under pressure of deadlines, difficult situations, interruptions, and emergency situations. Perform routine instructional and non-instructional support tasks including classroom transition times, meal times, use of adaptive/assistive equipment and toileting/self-care. Assist the teacher in administering appropriate screenings and assessments, collecting work samples, maintaining and documenting student performance through anecdotal notes, and other data collecting and reporting as instructed by the Lead Teacher.

Model positive behavior and a calm demeanor by utilizing appropriate language, interactions, and positive discipline. Continuously monitor students to ensure safety at all times, and report child abuse and neglect. Maintain all confidentiality requirements regarding all matters pertaining to students, parents, parent communications, and/or classroom activities, and direct any questions or concerns from the parent to the Lead Teacher. Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal, Assistant Principal, classroom teachers, Process Coordinators and other service providers and/or specialists.

Actively participate in required trainings, including CPI training, and inservice hours each year to facilitate continued professional growth. Appropriately supervise students before, during, and after school as needed.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or…