Special Education Para Educator ESN Cooper Elementary; Contingent funding

Special Education Para-Educator

Reports To: Classroom Teacher/Special Education Staff Designee

Department: Special Education

Work Year: 186 Days per year

Classification: Classified

Salary: See Classified (CSEA) Salary Schedule

The Para-Educator, under the direction of the classroom teacher(s) or special education staff designee, serves as an assistant and resource to teachers, assisting with the preparation, planning, and assembly of teaching materials. The role involves a wide variety of instructional practices and routine duties in the classroom(s). The Para-Educator also serves as a one-to-one aide or assists small and large groups of students with daily living skills, classroom activities, clean-up, supervision, teaching, observation, data collection, and training.

This includes students with physical limitations, behavior challenges, or special needs who may require specialized health care.

• Assist teacher in implementing individualized instructional plans.
• Assist teacher in providing specialized instruction to students individually or in groups; may serve as a one-to-one aide.
• Supervise students in general education and community based programs, including recess, group activities, field trips, and vocational training.
• Ensure accommodations, modifications, behavior intervention plans, and IEP needs are implemented for students in all settings.
• Assist teacher in identifying student needs, collecting data, developing lesson plans, and maintaining records.
• Assist individual students with specific problem areas, including behavior and social–emotional challenges.
• Help maintain order in the classroom and assist teacher with discipline.
• Perform class‑related clerical work.
• Assist students in using computers, augmentative communication devices, and other adaptive items.
• Assist students with daily living skills such as dressing, toileting, feeding, positioning, and mobility.
• Administer student medication and maintain medication logs under the direction of a physician and supervision of a school nurse.
• Maintain clean and sanitary instructional materials/equipment for special needs students.
• Receive and record lunch money.
• Attend meetings such as IEP, SARB, and parent‑teacher meetings.
• Assist students with transportation, including riding a school bus or public transportation.
• Organize, inventory, and secure materials and equipment.
• Collect, review, grade, record, and file students’ work.
• Travel from room to room or site to site as needed.
• Conduct classroom activities for a brief period in the teacher’s absence under appropriate supervision.
• Supervise groups of students in the library or other special activities.
• Volunteer as a backup to provide temporary specialized health care or serve as a primary provider; stipend provided as described.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Professional or volunteer work with children or adults with special needs is highly desirable.
• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Must meet requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act: either an associate’s degree, higher, 48 semester units from an accredited institution, or passage of the Para‑Educator Proficiency examination or equivalent.
• Previous experience in specialized care and supervision of children is desirable.

• Educational, social, and psychological needs of assigned students.
• Basic knowledge of an IEP and servicing students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Knowledge of appropriate basic subject matter from primary through secondary level.

• Understand and follow oral and written directions; read, write, and speak at a level sufficient to perform the duties.
• Supervise students’ activities in all school activities.
• Work independently with students or in small groups under guidance.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, teachers, co‑workers, and parents.
• Acquire skills and follow written or oral directions quickly.
• Engage in physical activity on a continuing basis.
• Operate electronic educational devices, health‑related equipment, computers,…