Paraeducator, Special Education Early Childhood Pool

About the Howard County Public School System

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. Join our award‑winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students.

Under the supervision of the principal and/or assistant principal, and with instruction from a special education teacher, general education teacher, therapist or assigned staff, the Para educator supports and promotes student learning and well‑being. The special education paraprofessional assists the teacher in general daily classroom activities, helps special needs students, and cares for their physical, emotional health and safety, affirming their abilities, and striving to promote dignity in all relationships.

The position implements plans and programs related to academic, behavior, and social/emotional needs of students with individual educational programs (IEPs). These positions also perform a variety of instructional and classroom management support including data collection as well as related clerical tasks to support teachers and other professional staff in the classrooms and learning environments.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent (must upload scanned diploma or official transcript).
• Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization.
• For Title I School wide Program Schools:
  High School Diploma/GED Equivalent and a passing score on the Para Pro Assessment, or 48 college credits or more from an accredited college or university.

• Experience working with students in a PK‑12 setting.
• One (1) year of experience working with young children with disabilities.
• Associate degree from an accredited college or university, Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential or an AA degree to work in Pre‑K classrooms.
• Per Blueprint, this certification will be required beginning with the 2027‑2028 school year.

• Works under the direction of a teacher or service provider to provide instructional support for students individually and in small groups.
• Utilizes additional technical skills and training to implement Intensive Structured Teaching (IST) sessions as required by the IEP.
• Assists teachers or service providers with implementing curriculum‑area instruction and lesson plans to reinforce learning across early childhood standards and developmental areas including motor activities and self‑help needs.
• Reviews and reinforces classroom lessons and learning experiences by monitoring and providing support to students engaged in independent work or similar activities in academic and non‑academic classes, including implementation of supplemental aids as designated on the IEP.
• In collaboration with the classroom teacher or service provider, implements consistent reinforcement of appropriate student behaviors, proactive strategies to support social‑emotional needs of all students, and implements behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to address target behaviors of individual students.
• Supports classroom/behavior management strategies to help students remain engaged and attentive during activities.
• Provides specified prompts for student engagement and participation during large and small group activities.
• Informs classroom teacher or related service provider of individual student learning needs and progress by data collection and documentation.
• Supports the implementation of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) by collecting data and documentation related to general education curricula, student IEP goals/objectives and academic or behavioral needs.
• Provides information to assist the teacher in evaluation of the learning process, behavior management programs, individual student needs and progress.
• Assists classroom teacher or service provider in carrying out activities by preparing instructional materials (e.g., manipulatives, making copies, filing).
• Assists with the set up and operation of assistive technology to support student learning and communication (electronic communicators, switches, pointers, feeders).
• Attends meetings and professional learning…