PARAPROFESSIONAL | SPECIAL EDUCATION SLP and LOP PROGRAMS

Paraprofessional | Special Education SLP and LOP Programs

The job of the Structured Learning Program (SLP) and the Learning Opportunities Program (LOP) Special Education Paraprofessional is done for the purpose of providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of students with special needs in the self-contained classroom setting; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; supporting student behavior management strategies; and providing information to appropriate school personnel.

Under the guidance of the classroom teacher, the paraprofessional will provide student support by implementing the following:

• Assist students within the school setting behaviorally, emotionally, and academically
• Provide active supervision in academic and nonacademic settings (lunch, recess, field trips, bussing, etc.)
• Enforce school-wide behavioral expectations using PBIS, TBRI, or the Pyramid Model
• Assist classroom teacher with related tasks when not directly supervising students (activity preparation, etc.)
• Support students with assignments and activities
• Reference IEP and BIP to understand and meet individual student needs
• Communicate with classroom teachers and other paraprofessionals about student-specific needs and progress
• Physically assist students with tasks including walking, participation across various environments, and loading/unloading from bus or vehicle
• Attend staff meetings
• Act as a mandated reporter
• Intervene appropriately in behavioral incidents to ensure safety
• Learn to use and support student use of assistive technology and communication devices
• Encourage and support positive peer interactions
• Respond with empathy to students displaying screaming, crying, or aggressive behavior, and help manage or minimize disruption
• Participate in training and professional development to better serve students (i.e CPI training, etc.)
• Maintain a professional, reliable, and collaborative presence on the team
• Other duties as assigned

Personal care support includes:

• Physical assistance with toileting and dressing as needed, following hygiene and dignity protocols
• Provide full restroom assistance, including accompanying students into the stall or nurse's bathroom, changing soiled undergarments/pull-ups/diapers, cleaning sanitary areas, and notifying the supervisor when bathroom supplies need restocking by family
• Assist with personal hygiene tasks (cleaning face, washing hands, nose blowing, etc.)
• With District training, support transfers and positioning (e.g., desk to wheelchair, floor to standing, in/out of adaptive equipment)
• Assist with feeding, mobility around the building, and other activities of daily living as specified in the student's IEP or care plan
• Help the student manage personal belongings and equipment (e.g., braces, walkers, communication devices)
• Follow individualized health and safety protocols established by the student's related services team (e.g., PT, OT, nursing staff)
• Maintain student privacy and dignity during all personal care routines
• Report any changes in student's physical condition, mobility, or care needs to the supervising teacher and appropriate staff

Qualifications include:

• Valid Paraprofessional license
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to remain calm and effective in emotionally charged situations
• Ability to model and coach behavior management techniques

Physical demands include the ability to perform various physical tasks, including standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, lifting, and bending, as necessary to fulfill job responsibilities. The work environment may involve exposure to typical levels of noise and activity associated with a school and on a school bus setting.

Reports to: Building Principal

Benefits include:

• Sick leave and personal days
• Employer contributions to Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
• HMO insurance and dental benefits
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the district

Terms of employment: Hourly rate, length of work year and ongoing service shall be determined by the Board of Education.