1:1 Aide (Elementary 1st grade)

Pennsylvania School For The Deaf•Philadelphia, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The 1:1 Aide provides individualized support to students based on their IEP requirements, assisting with academic, behavioral, language, and/or physical needs. Responsibilities vary according to the student’s age, developmental level, and goals, and may include facilitating classroom participation, implementing instructional plans, supporting language development in American Sign Language (ASL), providing personal care, and promoting social and emotional growth. The aide works closely with teachers and related service providers to help students access the curriculum and participate meaningfully in learning in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. This position is assigned to a first-grade student in the elementary program. Candidates should enjoy working with young children, and proficiency in ASL is required. If the assigned student is absent, the aide may be reassigned to other roles across departments based on student and classroom needs. This is a full-time, FLSA-non-exempt, 10-month union position. Paraeducators must complete 20 hours of professional development training annually.

Requirements

High school diploma.
American Sign Language proficiency at Level 2+ (ASLPI) or above.
Ability to meet PSD’s entry-level requirements on its Credential of Competency of Paraeducator within three years of hire.
Ability to sit, kneel, or crouch on the floor to engage with students.
Ability to lift, transfer, or assist students onto changing tables, toilet seats, chairs, or other equipment as needed.
Ability to assist with personal care, including diapering, dressing, and feeding, when required by students’ IEPs.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, reach, and move throughout the classroom and school campus.
Ability to lift and carry light to moderate objects.
Manual dexterity to use classroom equipment, technology, and visual supports.
Ability to attend to student needs for extended periods, including supervision, personal care, and interactive learning.
Ability to respond flexibly to changing student needs and classroom assignments across ages preschool through 22.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree from an accredited university.
Previous experience working in a school or other educational setting.
ASL proficiency above the required Level 2+ (ASLPI).

Responsibilities

Support teachers in implementing instructional plans, including one-on-one academic or language support.
Assist with developing and preparing instructional materials.
Provide personal care and life-skills support outlined in students’ IEPs, such as hygiene, changing clothes, feeding, mobility, and toileting.
Support daily routines, including classroom transitions, rotations, morning activities, and end-of-day preparations.
Assist with specials and scheduled breaks, ensuring students are supervised and appropriately engaged.
Collect and document student data and track progress toward academic, behavioral, or life-skills goals.
Supervise students during activities including meals, playground time, and field trips.
Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, and other staff to ensure students have full access to the curriculum.
Participate in team meetings, professional development, and planning sessions.
Contribute to a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment and maintain a professional demeanor.
Use the school’s prescribed interventions for behavior, classroom management, and student engagement.
Model and exhibit PSD’s core values: Students 1st, Language, Respect, Communication, and Community Engagement.
When assigned students are absent, perform other roles across departments for the day based on student and classroom needs.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support student success.