Position Summary
The Elementary Special Education Paraprofessional provides instructional, behavioral, social-emotional, and personal care support to students with disabilities under the supervision of certified special education teachers and administrators. The paraprofessional assists students in accessing the curriculum, achieving Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, developing independence, and participating safely and successfully in the school environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Instructional Support
- Provide one-on-one and small-group instructional support under the direction of certified staff.
- Assist students in completing classroom assignments and learning activities.
- Implement accommodations and modifications outlined in student IEPs and behavior support plans.
- Support instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, communication, social skills, and functional life skills.
- Reinforce academic concepts and skills taught by the classroom teacher or special education teacher.
- Assist with data collection and progress monitoring related to academic, behavioral, and IEP goals.
- Prepare instructional materials and organize classroom resources.
- Support students in using assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support
- Implement behavior intervention plans and positive behavior support strategies.
- Assist students in developing self-regulation, communication, social interaction, and problem-solving skills.
- Monitor student behavior and maintain a safe, structured learning environment.
- Support students during transitions throughout the school day.
- Use de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies as trained and directed.
Personal Care and Hygiene Support
- Assist students with personal care needs, including toileting, diapering, changing clothing, handwashing, and other hygiene-related tasks as needed.
- Support students with feeding and mealtime needs in accordance with student plans and district procedures.
- Assist students with mobility needs, including lifting, positioning, transferring, and use of adaptive equipment when appropriately trained.
- Monitor student health and safety concerns and report concerns to appropriate staff.
- Maintain student dignity, privacy, and confidentiality while providing personal care services.
Student Supervision
- Supervise students during lunch, recess, playground activities, arrival, dismissal, field trips, assemblies, and other school activities.
- Assist in maintaining a safe environment in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, buses, and other school settings.
- Monitor student interactions and provide support to ensure safe and inclusive participation in school activities.
Collaboration and Communication
- Work collaboratively with special education teachers, general education teachers, related service providers, administrators, and support staff.
- Communicate observations regarding student progress, behavior, and needs to supervising staff.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities as assigned.
- Maintain confidentiality of student records and information in accordance with district policies and applicable laws.
Other Duties as Assigned
- Provide coverage and support in classrooms or school settings as directed by administration.
- Assist with clerical tasks, copying, filing, organizing materials, and classroom preparation.
- Support school-wide programs and activities.
- Perform lunchroom supervision duties.
- Perform playground and recess supervision duties.
- Assist with arrival and dismissal procedures.
- Accompany students on community-based instruction, field trips, and special events.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the principal, special education supervisor, or designated administrator.
Terms of Employment