Special Education Paraprofessional (Parapro) Job Description

Position Title:

Special Education Paraprofessional (Parapro)

Reports To:

Building Principal

Special Education Supervisor

Assistant Special Education Supervisor (if applicable)

Special Education Teacher (Responsible for the development and determining IEP services)

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Special Education Paraprofessional provides instructional, behavioral, and personal support to students with disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and district policies. Under the direction of a certified special education teacher, the paraprofessional assists in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure access to Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of IEP goals, accommodations, modifications, and behavior intervention plans as directed by the supervising teacher.


• Communicate and collaborate with the supervising teacher on observations made on student progress or concerns in a timely manner.


• Provide instructional support in small group, one-on-one, or inclusive classroom settings.


• Reinforce learning concepts introduced by the teacher using developmentally appropriate methods and materials.


• Support students in developing independence, social-emotional skills, and appropriate behavior through positive behavioral supports.


• Assist students with personal care needs (e.g., feeding, toileting, mobility, medical protocols) as required in their IEP.


• Implement accommodations and assistive technology to support student access to the curriculum.


• Collect and record data on student performance, behavior, and progress toward IEP goals as directed.


• Maintain confidentiality of student records in compliance with FERPA and IDEA.


• Supervise students to ensure safety in classrooms, hallways, lunchrooms, buses, playgrounds, and community settings as assigned.


• Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, and administrators to support student success.


• Participate in professional development and training related to IDEA compliance, instructional strategies, and behavior management.


• Participate in professional development and training that is related to Medicaid billing and being in compliance with the state and federal laws that govern the Medicaid program.


• Maintain correct and accurate records of services provided for students on a daily basis when they are provided to the student.


• Participate in IEP meetings as a team member in order to provide feedback


• Other duties as assigned to support the educational program of students with disabilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s degree or higher, or completion of 60 college credit hours preferred.


• Passing score on the ParaPro Praxis Exam OR 60 hours of college credit


• Previous experience working with children with disabilities preferred.


• Ability to follow instructional plans and behavior intervention strategies developed by teachers and specialists.


• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.


• Patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information.


• Ability to lift, move, or assist students as required for physical care or mobility support.

Working Conditions

• Work takes place in general education classrooms, special education classrooms, or community-based settings.


• Duties may involve exposure to bodily fluids, physical activity, or challenging behaviors.


• Paraprofessionals must be flexible and able to adapt to a variety of instructional and support needs.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent walking throughout the school campus.


• Ability to possibly lift and provide mobility assistance to students


• Sitting for extended periods


• Manual dexterity for the use of office equipment and technology.


• Maintain emotional control and exercise reasoning and problem-solving skills while under stress.


• Must be able to interpret procedures and analyze data for decision-making.


• Perform all duties safely and responsibly.  Observe all safety precautions.

Compliance Statement

This position operates in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and all applicable federal, state, and district regulations. The paraprofessional provides support under the supervision of licensed staff and does not assume responsibility for developing or determining IEP services.