Paraeducator - SPED​/Developmentally Responsive Kindergarten; DRK

Instructional Para educator

This position's responsibilities are to assist certificated staff with instructional and non-instructional activities for students with disabilities in an integrated kindergarten classroom, and including instructing students individually or in small groups, assisting students with basic life skills, and supervising student behavior activities.

The para educator will:

• Instruct students with a range of disabilities individually or in small groups in a variety of learning activities to promote student understanding of materials presented.
• Communicate with certificated staff concerning individual student progress; adjust methods to meet the needs of a wide variety of students; consult with certificated staff concerning remediation or enrichment activities.
• Assist certificated staff in maintaining records, logs, charts, assignments and other records for assessment of student progress.
• Attend to student physical and safety needs; monitor students for medical risks such as seizures and behaviors that may result in harm to themselves or others. Correct behaviors and maintain discipline according to established policies and procedures.
• Assist students with toileting, which may include catheterization and diapering; attend to the personal hygiene needs of students. Assist students in washing hands and face, brushing teeth and hair, and taking showers.
• Assist students with interpersonal and personal skills mastery; helps feed students and teaches social aspects of eating with others.
• Assist students with basic living skills and pre-vocational activities. Works with students to develop communication skills; facilitates integration of students with age-group peers to the extent possible.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with students, staff and parents for student progress and safety, and community relations.
• Provide physical assistance to students, such as lifting or positioning. Uses adaptive equipment to communicate with students; follows and documents procedures established by physical therapist.
• Monitor need for first aid for students and refer for treatment as appropriate.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of classroom, implements and equipment. Washes dishes; cleans and disinfects tables and counters; washes and dries clothes, towels, washcloths and bibs.

The para educator reports to the school principal or assigned administrator; receives guidance from certificated staff.

The mental and physical demands of the position include frequent interruptions, dealing with a wide range of student behaviors and academic abilities, and working in non-routine positions for extended periods.

Minimum qualifications include education and experience working with school age children and special needs students, knowledge of basic subject areas, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff.

The para educator must complete training in and adhere to district infection control plan, obtain first aid and CPR certification, and complete Right Response Training and receive qualifications within the first 3-5 months of hire date.

Bethel School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, disability, neurodivergence, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.