2025-2026 Para - Educator (Special Education - Communication Support Classroom) at York County School Division

Job Description

Title:   PARA-EDUCATOR - SPECIAL EDUCATION

Position Type: Non-Exempt

Primary Function:

Assist the special education and/or classroom teacher by performing assigned duties related to the learning process as outlined in students' individualized educational plans such as assembling and preparing instructional materials and reinforcing instruction under the direction/supervision of the teacher or building administrator.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or higher; or High school diploma or equivalent with additional 48 semester credit hours from accredited institutions; or High School Diploma or equivalent with addition of passing a rigorous test as approved by VDOE or YCSD for purposes of determining highly qualified status for teacher assistants under the No Child Left Behind legislation.
• Bachelor's Degree or higher qualifies for Tier Two.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

• Ability to work with individuals, small groups, or large groups as assigned by teacher.
• Ability to work with and communicate with students, teachers, and administrators.
• Basic knowledge and/or experience related to area of assignment.
• Awareness of various characteristics of students with disabilities.
• Willingness to serve all students.
• Demonstration of initiative and self-direction.
• Ability to move about in room to monitor students and check work in classrooms with varied seating and desk organization patterns.
• Lift, move, and operate adaptive equipment.
• Ability to assist in the implementation of an instructional program and to participate in monitoring and ensuring appropriate student behavior, including outdoor activity areas, gymnasiums, etc.
• Ability to gather and interpret data gathered in all school settings.
• If assigned, assist students with personal care tasks, including but not limited to lavatory, clothing, hygiene, diapering, and toileting

• Perform assigned duties related to the learning process
• Assisting teachers and other school staff to achieve and enhance instructional and behavioral objectives for special education students.
• Monitor and assist students under the direction/supervision of the special education teacher, classroom teacher, or building administrator.
• Assist with implementation of behavior management and/or medical management plans.
• Provide professional communication with staff under the direction of and in collaboration with the special education teacher.
• Assist the teacher in assembling and preparing instructional materials.
• Assist the teacher in the maintenance and organization of a safe, clean, and attractive classroom.
• Participate in and provide staff development activities related to area of assignment.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student records and information.
• Directly implement or assist in fulfilling students' daily personal health maintenance tasks.
• Serve bus, cafeteria, or hall duty.
• Perform other duties as assigned by teacher and building administrator

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and reach with hands and arms; walk; climb stairs; sit; stoop or kneel; crouch or crawl. Duties may involve risk resulting from attending to students’ physical or sanitation/hygiene needs. Must be physically capable of frequently lifting or moving up to 50 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus. Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer terminal/typewriter, and to perform; see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in person and on the telephone; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Teacher and Building Administrator

Ten months a year. Salary according to School Board Pay Plan.

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with School Board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of non-licensed personnel.

The York County School Division does not discriminate on the basis of race (Title VI), color, religion, national origin, veteran status, sex, gender (Title IX), age or disability (Section 504), or any other protected class in its educational programs, activities or employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following positions have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: