Paraeducator, Kindergarten Pool

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications must be met.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must upload diploma or official transcript.
• Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE‑approved organization.
• For TitleI 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 K‑12 students.

• Assists teachers in implementing lesson plans and preparing instructional materials and learning centers.
• Works with individual and small groups of students.
• Prepares bulletin boards and keeps track of individual student performance.
• Checks papers and operates various office machines.
• Works effectively with students, escorting and monitoring transitions throughout the school day and upon arrival and departure in the cafeteria and/or on playgrounds.
• Assists students requiring support with toileting, health protocols, or other personal care tasks.
• Conducts lunch count and collects lunch money.
• Locates and prepares learning resource equipment and materials.
• Provides instructional support in computer laboratories and laboratory instruction for students.
• Performs clerical functions to include operating a computer, record‑keeping, and attendance.
• Assists with media resources including operation of audio‑visual equipment and making of transparencies.
• Participates in faculty discussions and planning.
• Reads, tells and records stories.
• Schedules parent‑teacher conferences and time for parent volunteers to assist in the classroom.
• Assists on field trips and may supervise students in transit.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Maintain confidentiality when discussing students’ progress and concerns with staff.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral form.
• Remain calm under trying circumstances.
• Reinforce lesson plans to support the educational program for students.
• Follow directions from the teacher, including reinforcing instruction presented.
• Provide personal attention to students on an individual basis.
• Work with small groups of students and assist with instruction.
• Discuss problems affecting students’ progress with the teacher and, if directed, with other professional staff.
• Carry out assignments to completion.
• Perform clerical work.
• Possess basic knowledge of technology and keyboarding to support student learning.
• Demonstrate strong human relations skills.
• Have strong, positive communication and interaction skills when dealing with co‑workers, students, administrators, parents and/or community.
• Attend professional development sessions during the workday.

• Frequently lift and/or carry 50–75 pounds with assistance.
• Work around children, standing and sitting, in a chair and/or on the floor, for extended periods.
• Perform bending, pushing/pulling, walking, running, kneeling, twisting, squatting, crouching, overhead and above‑shoulder reaching movements.
• Use hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment and classroom equipment.
• Actively monitor and respond to students eloping from the classroom or school building.
• Move quickly toward students who may elope from an assigned area.
• Visual acuity to read and write printed materials and observe activities of children.
• Ability to hear, with or without hearing aid(s), sufficient to hear any conversation.
• Meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.

School buildings, classrooms, community, and/or outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions. Exposure to high‑pitched/louder verbalizations by students, bodily fluids, students with more challenging behavior, etc. May require customized training to accommodate the special needs of students.

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email human resources.