Paraeducator - Special Education; SY

Special Education Para educator

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 and administrative policies, rules, regulations and directives, following Norwalk school policy to ensure student safety, and following teacher's oral or written directions with accuracy. The para educator assists the teacher with the implementation of classroom instructional goals and Section 504 plans, assists students with classwork individually or in small groups, assists the teacher in maintaining student records of attendance, assists the teacher with documentation of student progress, assists the teacher with the preparation and distribution of lesson plan materials, encourages students to interact appropriately with peers, assists students during recess, breaks, emergency drills, assemblies, on school buses and field trips, assists and supports students to use computers, iPads or other media to access curriculum, and maintains respect at all times for confidential information.

Special Education Paraeducators perform all responsibilities listed above for all para educators and follow teacher's oral or written directions to assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals, 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 including, but not limited to job coach activities, assist and support students to develop independent living skills including hygiene, transportation, self-management, food preparation and/or feeding, implement behavioral programs developed by teacher, collect data of 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 is preferred.

May require fluency in Spanish.