Oakwood Collaborative School at Toquam Magnet Elementary School: Special Education Paraeducator

Overview

Oakwood Collaborative School at Toquam Magnet Elementary School:
Special Education Para educator

Program

Description:

Stamford Public Schools is partnering with Cooperative Educational Services (CES) to expand in-district programming for students requiring increased support based on their individual needs. CES provides Developmental Therapy and Teaching (DTT) services and has operated schools for students with Autism and other Developmental Disorders for more than thirty years. Classes are small, with a highly structured school day focused on social communication and emotional regulation as foundations for learning and relating.

Classrooms have at least one teacher and four para educators. Learning occurs in small groups, with individual instruction as well. Related services can include BCBA, speech therapy, social skills, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

• Support students in increasing capacity to perform tasks independently by using strategies that gradually release responsibilities to students.
• Work with students, under the supervision of a certified teacher, to reinforce behavior and communication skills introduced by the teacher/supervisor.
• Guide and implement sensory diets under the supervision of the teacher, occupational therapist, and/or administrator.
• Implement behavioral intervention plans under the supervision of a teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and/or administrator.
• Record achievements and diagnostic tests, under the direction of the teacher, for individual students or groups of students.
• Participate in documenting school health-based services.
• Assist the teacher in handling, operation, and care of classroom equipment, including media and instructional materials, assistive technology, and augmentative communication devices.
• Assist with daily living needs, such as feeding and bathroom accommodations (e.g., toileting).
• Assist with supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips, and other non-classroom activities.
• Support with implementation of IEP goals and objectives as assigned by certified staff, and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Serve as a primary information resource for substitute teachers in the regular teacher's absence.
• Assist with implementation of Health Care plans for students and other medical needs.
• Alert the teachers regarding any problem or special information related to an individual student.

• Assist with supervision of students during lunch, recess, arrival and dismissal, assemblies, emergency drills, play periods, field trips, and other non-classroom activities.
• Apply instructional practices consistent with CES programs and the DTT approach; ongoing professional development and training will be provided.
• Attend and participate in agency/staff meetings and all announced in-service/workshop activities as requested by the administrator or designee.
• Obtain and maintain Physical Management Training (PMT) certification and may occasionally implement approved physical intervention strategies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Willingness to learn and adapt to best practice strategies for supporting students with IEPs, including encouraging independence and autonomy.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Proficiency in basic reading, math, writing, and speaking English.
• Ability to work productively with children and support their learning needs.
• Physical condition to meet the essential functions of the position.
• Good judgment, patience, tact, and courtesy; commitment to confidential communication about students.

• Must meet ESSA requirements and have passed the Para Pro Assessment, hold an Associate’s Degree, or have completed at least 60 college credits.
• Must possess or be willing to acquire skills to support specialized programs for Special Needs students, including RBT training, behavioral plans, autism supports, or related treatments; experience is preferred.
• Comfort with standard computer applications.

• Indoor…