Paraeducator - Special Education - Group Bus; SY

Special Education Para educator Bus Rider Group 1 Tracey Elementary School

Under the direct supervision of a special education, the para educator supports students to participate in their educational program. Essential functions include assisting in the implementation of the Norwalk Board of Education administrative policies, rules, regulations, and directives, following Norwalk school policy to ensure student safety, and receiving and following oral or written instructions from special education teachers or supervisors including health or safety plans, IEPs, or 504 accommodation plans.

The para educator must immediately report accidents, assaults, destruction of property, and abusive behavior to the transportation supervisor and building supervisor, and ensure that students wait, board, and depart buses in a safe and orderly fashion. They work with drivers and transportation supervisors in resolving problems with students, keep abreast of new information, innovative ideas, and techniques, and adhere to all district health and safety policies.

The para educator must possess the ability to maintain student discipline, interact with unique students, parents, and faculty in a positive and proper manner, and maintain respect for confidential information. They may be required to document attendance on the bus on a form prescribed by the District.

The para educator performs all responsibilities listed above for all para educators and follows teacher's oral or written directions to assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals. They assist the teacher with the implementation of a toilet schedule and program, and/or feeding program, provide escort and mobility assistance to students, assist and support students during community-based activities, and assist and support students to develop independent living skills including hygiene, transportation, self-management, food preparation, and/or feeding.

They implement behavioral programs developed by the teacher, collect data on student learning activity as developed by the teacher, and provide teacher information for progress monitoring and/or daily reports for the teacher to share with parents.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include the ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, effective active listening skills, ability to record data with accuracy, ability to work effectively with others, ability to implement teacher directives related to instructional and behavioral goals effectively, organizational and problem solving skills.

Other duties and responsibilities include interacting in a positive manner with staff, students, parents, and visitors, promoting good public relations by personal appearance, attitude, and conversation, maintaining a level of approachability by administration, staff, parents, and visitors, responding to questions and requests in a timely and appropriate manner, attending meetings and professional development activities as recommended by teacher, supervisor, Principal, or ELL Instructional Specialist, and performing other related duties as assigned by teacher, Principal, Special Education Supervisor, or ELL Instructional Specialist.

Qualifications/Certificates include a high school diploma or equivalency and Para Pro Certificate, bachelor's degree preferred, associate's degree in education or related field or Para Pro Certificate or two (2) years of college required, two (2) years of experience working with children or young adults in a school setting preferred, and specific experience working with students with high management needs preferred. May require fluency in Spanish.