Paraprofessional

Job Title: Paraprofessional Reports To: Building Principal FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Purpose Under the direct supervision of a certified educator, the Paraprofessional assists instructional personnel in supporting student learning, social-emotional development, and classroom engagement. This role provides individual and small-group instructional assistance, supports behavioral intervention plans, assists students with diverse learning needs, and performs non-instructional supervision to ensure a safe, inclusive, and efficient educational environment.

Essential Job Functions Instructional Support: Reinforces concepts in reading, language arts, mathematics, STEM, and literacy through small-group or individual instruction following teacher-prepared lesson plans. Special Education & Inclusion Support: Implements individual educational accommodations, modifications, and Assistive Technology (AT) as outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans to maximize classroom inclusion.

Data Collection & Progress Monitoring: Assists certified staff by gathering and recording objective routine data on student academic progress, IEP goal milestones, and behavioral metrics. Behavioral & Classroom Support: Applies Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and trauma-informed de-escalation strategies to maintain a safe, respectful learning environment.

Personal Care & Daily Living: Assists students with special needs in activities of daily living (ADLs), which may include mobility, hygiene, toileting, feeding, and dressing, adhering to all safety and privacy guidelines. Student Supervision: Supervises students in non-instructional settings�including cafeteria, playground, bus loading/unloading, hallways, and field trips�to ensure physical safety and social inclusion.

Classroom Preparation & Technology: Operates instructional technology, assists with setup for learning activities, and creates or adapts educational materials under teacher direction. Communication: Maintains professional communication with certified staff regarding student performance, needs, and classroom observations while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Additional Duties Participates in job-related professional development and training (e.g., de-escalation techniques, safety procedures, assistive technology). Assists pupil services, guidance staff, or administration during building-wide activities or emergency situations as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong interpersonal skills to build supportive, compassionate relationships with students with diverse physical, academic, and social-emotional needs.

Proficiency with modern instructional technology, including Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Google Classroom or Canvas, tablets, and interactive classroom displays. Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions provided by certified staff. Understanding of student confidentiality protocols (FERPA).

Effective written and verbal communication skills across diverse school populations.

Qualifications

Profile High School Diploma or equivalent required. Must meet Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements for Title I paraprofessionals via one of the following: Completion of at least 48 college semester hours from an accredited institution. Associate Degree or higher. Passing score on a state-approved Paraprofessional Assessment (e.

g., Para. Pro). CPR and First Aid Certification preferred (or willingness to obtain upon hire). Prior experience working with children, particularly those with special needs or behavioral interventions, strongly preferred. Physical and Mental Demands & Environmental Conditions Physical Demands: Requires regular standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and sitting at student-level furniture.

Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs as necessary to support student mobility or safety needs. Work Environment: Works inside standard school building environments and outdoors during recess, physical activities, and field trips under varying weather conditions. Safety & Hazards: May involve exposure to bodily fluids, student behavioral challenges, and physical exertion required for student safety interventions (training provided).

Pay Range

$17.75 - $22.25 Benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, Paid Time Off, LTD Insurance, Life Insurance