Paraprofessional - Special Education
A special education paraprofessional provides support to students who need modified instruction or assistance, as described in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Prior job-related experiences, paid or voluntary, with school-age children
Responsibilities:
- Assist in arranging the learning environment, including assembling and putting materials on bulletin boards and/or other classroom learning displays and in keeping such displays current.
- Under the supervision of a certified teacher, prepare for classroom activities by distributing and collecting papers and other instructional materials for classroom instruction.
- Assist students in completing classroom assignments, homework, and projects.
- Support student understanding of classroom rules and procedures and assist students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, friendly attitude, and general guidance.
- Read to students, listen to students read, and observe students' reading abilities as assigned.
- Assist teachers with the implementation of lesson plans.
- Tutor individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher.
- Assist with personal care needs of students (e.g. toileting, hygiene, etc.)
- Assists students with mobility and access to materials.
- Supervise students throughout the school building and on the playground.
- Assists in maintaining a neat, orderly, and attractive learning environment; Monitors student activities, student behavior, and changes in student behavior, Assist in the implementation and monitoring of behavioral plans
- Maintains a safe and positive learning environment; Participates in daily activities, training sessions
- Disposes of waste-contaminated materials, food, and toys to maintain the hygiene and health of students and staff; Understand and carry out oral and written directions; Participate in in-service education, conferences, or formal classes related to assignments; Show initiative when working with children or using materials; Maintain cooperative, effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Maintain confidentiality of student records; Meet schedules and deadlines; Assist in additional duties as assigned by administration.
Physical Requirements:
- Sitting, standing, lifting, and carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, climbing stairs, kneeling, must be able to see and hear the entire classroom, and moving light furniture may be required.
- May require participation in student restraint as needed in extreme situations.
Safety and Health:
- Knowledge of universal hygiene precautions.
Equipment/Materials Handled:
- Must know how to properly operate or be willing to learn to operate all multimedia equipment including current technology.
Work Environment:
- Classroom/School Environment
Terms of Employment:
- Hourly rate and work year per Mattawan Educational Support Association collective bargaining agreement.