Kennedy Elementary Special Education Paraprofessional

Job Title

Special Education Paraprofessional

Provide instructional support under the supervision of teaching staff for students with special needs. Support classroom activities, assist with materials and equipment, and help maintain a safe and organized learning environment.

• Assist with instruction and activities for individuals or groups as assigned by the teacher.
• Supervise students in instructional settings, off-campus activities, and non-instructional activities (recess, assemblies, drills, lunch periods, etc.).
• Supervise students in the teacher's absence.
• Prepare, create, or adapt instructional materials and teaching aids as directed.
• Assist students with assignments and help set up or operate instructional equipment.
• Serve as the main point of contact for substitute teachers.
• Assist teachers with student behavior management and respond appropriately to student needs.
• Alert the teacher to any special needs of students.
• Provide assistance with external feedings (e.g., feeding tubes) or personal care (e.g., toileting, catheterization, diaper changes) as needed.
• Assist students with boarding or exiting transportation and supervise before or after transport as needed.
• Perform light housekeeping to maintain a clean and safe classroom environment (e.g., washing dishes, disinfecting surfaces, defrosting freezers).
• Prepare snacks for students as required.
• Ride afternoon bus routes to supervise student behavior when assigned.
• Operate photocopiers, laminators, duplicators, and computers. Assist with obtaining classroom supplies.
• Assist with compiling and sending home student work or weekly parent communications.
• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• College coursework is preferred and may assist in meeting Tier 1 Paraprofessional Requirements.

• Must meet Tier 1 Paraprofessional Requirements.
• Previous work or volunteer experience with children, teenagers, or clerical duties preferred.

• Tier 1 (Title I) Paraprofessional Requirements:
  Applicant must meet at least one of the following:
  • Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education (minimum of 48 hours of college coursework); or
  • Obtained an associate's degree (or higher); or
  • Taken and passed the Work Keys, Para Pro, or Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET).
• An Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate is required or a willingness to complete the Tier 2 (Special Education) Paraprofessional Requirements and obtain the Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate within 120 days of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination.
• OSBI background check must be completed every five years to remain in compliance. The cost is the employee's responsibility. Failure to complete the background check may impact employment status.

• Tier 2 (Special Education) Paraprofessional Requirements:
  All of the following must be completed within 120 days of employment to obtain and maintain certification.
• Complete the Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Training at a Career Tech Center, state-approved LEA training, or training modules in PEPPER.
• Complete and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
• Complete training in Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens.
• Complete an additional six (6) hours of professional development in Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens each school year following initial certification.
• Certification fee is $12.00 and is paid directly to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

• Contract: 175 Days
• Salary
  
  Schedule:
  
  Teacher's Assistant
• FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
• Reports to: Building Principal