TITLE: Special Education Paraprofessional II
QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or GED. Must obtain a Special Education Paraprofessional Tier II certificate, requirements can be found at OSDE.
REPORTS TO: Special Education Teacher and/or Principal
JOB GOAL: Assist teachers in providing appropriate education and related services for students with disabilities.
Position Summary:
The Special Education Paraprofessional assists teachers in providing individualized support to students with disabilities, ensuring they have access to a positive and effective learning environment. Working closely with students, teachers, and other school staff, the paraprofessional supports the academic, behavioral, and emotional needs of students, helping to implement personalized education plans (IEPs) and promoting inclusion in the classroom. Responsibilities include supporting students in daily tasks, adapting materials and activities, assisting with behavior management, and providing feedback to educators. The role requires patience, empathy, and the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of students, fostering an atmosphere of respect, encouragement, and academic growth.
Essential Duties for a Special Education Paraprofessional:
- Student Support:
- Provide one-on-one or small group assistance to students with disabilities, helping them understand and complete assignments.
- Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined in students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Assist students with daily tasks, such as transitions, personal care, and mobility, when necessary.
- Assist with toileting needs (e.g., guiding students to the restroom, helping with toilet training, or changing diapers for students who require this support). This includes maintaining proper hygiene and ensuring students' comfort and dignity during the process.
- Communicate regularly with teachers, special education staff, and other school personnel to discuss student progress and needs.
- Classroom Assistance:
- Support the classroom teacher by preparing instructional materials, organizing classroom activities, and setting up learning environments.
- Help modify lessons and assignments to accommodate students' needs and learning styles.
- Monitor students' progress and assist in reinforcing lessons and skills taught in class.
- Behavioral and Emotional Support:
- Assist in managing student behavior by following established behavior intervention plans.
- Provide support for students' social-emotional development, helping them navigate peer relationships and classroom dynamics.
- Use positive reinforcement and de-escalation strategies to maintain a safe and productive learning environment.
- Supervision and Safety:
- Supervise students during non-instructional times, such as lunch, recess, field trips, arrival and departure from school, and buses, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Provide support during physical activities or specialized programs, such as physical therapy or speech therapy, as directed by professionals.
- Documentation and Reporting:
- Keep records of student progress, behavior, and attendance as required by the teacher or school administration.
- Report any concerns regarding student well-being, behavior, or academic progress to the teacher or relevant staff.
- Professional Development:
- Attend training sessions, workshops, and meetings to stay current on best practices in special education.
- Actively engage in developing skills and strategies to improve student outcomes.
These duties may vary based on the needs of the students and the specific classroom setting. The paraprofessional must be flexible and willing to adapt to a variety of tasks to best support students with special needs.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 180 days or Nine months basis. Salary to be established by the Board.
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy of Evaluation of Support Personnel.
Approved by: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________
Teacher Assistant’s Signature: _________________________ Date: ___________________ |