Special Education Paraprofessional - Resource

Special Education Paraprofessional Resource

Supports special education staff and students by assisting with educational activities, providing multi-subject academic aid, and monitoring student behavior and safety across diverse school settings.

Essential Functions:

• Support and monitor students in various educational settings to ensure a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment.
• Provide comprehensive support to teaching staff by conducting objective observations, maintaining accurate student data logs, and preparing or organizing instructional materials.
• Assist in the implementation of student programs and specialized instructional plans as designed and directed by special education staff.
• Assist with the personal care needs of individual students as required, ensuring dignity, safety, and hygiene standards are met.
• Demonstrate sensitivity, cultural competence, and respect for diversity in cultural heritage, lifestyles, backgrounds, and value systems among all students and families.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student records, medical history, and special education data in accordance with district policies and legal mandates.
• Promote positive student behavior by utilizing approved intervention strategies and enforcing established school and classroom expectations.
• Communicate effectively and collaboratively with supervising teachers, special education staff, and school administration regarding student progress or concerns.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the building principal and/or supervising teacher that are specific to the needs of the special education program.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or GED required. Must meet one of the following educational criteria:
Associate's Degree or higher. Minimum of 60 college semester credits. "Highly Qualified" status through completion of the Para Educator or Para Pro exam. Candidates who do not meet one of these criteria must successfully pass the Para Educator exam within 30 days of hire.

Required Knowledge:
District policies, procedures, and behavioral intervention standards. Confidentiality requirements related to student records and special education data (e.g., FERPA). Basic understanding of emergency response, student safety protocols, and incident reporting.

Required Skills:

Ability to work effectively with students exhibiting mild to severe physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities. Ability to lift and move heavy objects up to 50 lbs as required to support student personal care or physical needs. Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills to effectively manage student behavior and de-escalate challenging situations. Clear and professional communication with supervising teachers, special education staff, administrators, and students.

Physical/Mental Requirements:
Mobility and stamina to work in a variety of indoor and outdoor educational settings; ability to stand, walk, bend, crouch, and move for extended periods of time; strength and physical ability to lift and move heavy objects or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; visual ability to monitor and supervise student behavior, track data, and read written materials; hearing and verbal communication skills to interact effectively and manage conflicts in various environments;

and mental alertness and emotional resilience to work with students with mild to severe disabilities, implement behavior plans, and respond quickly to safety or changing situations.

Working Environment:
Work is performed in multiple settings including but not limited to, special education classrooms, general education classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, gymnasiums, playgrounds, and multipurpose rooms.