Paraeducator at North Stonington Public Schools

Job Title: Paraeducator, Department of Special Services

Reports To: Director of Special Services in collaboration with the Building Principals

Job Goal:
To assist in providing an educationally motivating environment where students are encouraged to learn. To work as a part of an inclusionary team along with teachers and related service personnel in assisting in the design, implementation and evaluation of program activities to ensure high levels of learning and performance by identified students. To work within the guidelines of the school district, state and federal statutes, regulations and policies.

Qualifications:

CORE QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL PARAEDUCATORS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Must hold High School Graduate or General Education Diploma (GED)

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Must be able to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
Must be able to write simple correspondence.
Must be able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to students, parents, certified and non-certified staff, and the school community.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Must be able to apply complex concepts such as figuring rates, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Must possess a working knowledge of algebra and geometry

REASONING ABILITY:
Must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Must be able to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Assisting with small group and one-on-one instruction
• Assisting the teacher with the daily functions of the class.
• Monitoring class during non-academic times.
• Assisting with assessment and intervention strategies.
• Other duties as deemed appropriate by the administration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The position may require the employee to occasionally crouch, kneel, or sit at floor level. The employee may need to lift alone up to forty (40) pounds, and individually push or pull up to one hundred (100) pounds. The position is exposed to medical infections and injuries and is at greater risk than the average staff person.

Duties:
The performance responsibilities are divided into six major areas. They apply equally to all preschool – 12th-grade instructional settings, including community-based programs that include students with developmental, physical, sensory, and social/emotional disabilities and those who are medically fragile. The paraeducator assignments designated by the Director of Special Services may focus on any combination of the outlined responsibilities and duties and may vary during the school year to match the needs of the students and the school system.

1. Paraeducators assist professionals with building and maintaining effective instructional teams.

DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:

• Participates in team meetings as scheduled.
• Respects the views and contributions of the team members.
• Contributes relevant information to facilitate planning, problem-solving, and decision-making for student programming needs.
• Uses appropriate communication skills in adult-adult interactions.

2. Paraeducators assist professionals with maintaining learner-centered, supportive environments.

DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Follows and uses district policies and classroom procedures for protecting the safety, health, and well-being of all students and staff.
• Models and encourages interactions among students and adults that demonstrate a respect for and value of individual differences.
• Facilitates the development of peer interactions and friendships for students with disabilities in the classroom, school, and community settings.
• Assists teachers and other professionals in supervising and monitoring students in academic and non-academic settings.
• Provides behavioral strategies and supports to students where needed (includes physical restraint of students as directed with appropriate training).
• Provides physical supports to students including toileting, feeding, lifting, mobility, and hygiene.

3. Paraeducators support with planning and organizing learning experiences.

DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Assists teachers and other professionals with preparing and adapting instructional materials and equipment to accommodate different learning styles, ability levels, or language backgrounds.
• Operates copy machines, computers, and other equipment to prepare learning materials and resources.
• Prepares adaptive equipment and assistive technology for student use.
• Performs routine clerical tasks such as setting up student work areas, displays, and exhibits, and distributing and collecting paper and supplies.

4. Paraeducators assist professionals with engaging students in the learning process.

DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Implements an individualized or small group activity developed by teachers/providers.
• Assists in providing modifications and adaptations of materials.
• Re-teaches or reinforces educational concepts introduced by teachers/providers.
• Provides assistance to students experiencing difficulty; explains errors and answers questions.
• Administers tests as directed by teachers.
• Assists students in transitions within the class and with transitions to other classes with promptness of daily schedule.

5. Paraeducators assist professionals with assessing learner needs, progress, and achievement.

DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Assists teachers/providers in observing and recording student progress in academic, self-help, communication, and behavior skills.
• Corrects and records daily assignments, quizzes, and tests as directed by teachers.
• Provides feedback on student needs and programming to teachers/providers.
• Communicates student progress and needs with parents as directed by teachers/providers.

6. Paraeducators meet standards of ethical conduct.

DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Abides by school district policies, school rules, and team standards.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information regarding students.
• Maintains composure and emotional control while with adults and students.
• Attends work on a regular basis and is punctual.
• Accepts necessary changes in work assignments.
• Performs any duties as assigned by the supervisor.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Pay and Benefits

• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Pay: In accordance with the North Stonington Paraeducator Contract, based on step and experience.
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined in the Paraeducator Contract