Educational Paraprofessional - Autism Classroom

CAPITAL AREA INTERMEDIATE UNIT•Lower Swatara Township, PA

48d•Onsite

About The Position

The Educational Paraprofessional supports professional staff in meeting the needs of students eligible for special education. Working as part of a team with the teacher, the paraprofessional contributes to students’ educational and social development and helps maintain a positive classroom environment. Instructional activities are carried out and monitored under the teacher’s direction; the paraprofessional does not supersede the teacher’s authority over the instructional program. The role may include supporting student behavior and personal care, assisting students with movement within and around the building, and helping with off-site experiences. It also includes clerical and housekeeping duties, classroom-material preparation, coverage and monitoring during recess or lunch, and maintaining positive working relationships with staff. The employee follows assigned schedules, applicable laws and policies, and confidentiality requirements, and attends directed training, meetings, and team assignments. This is a full-time, day-shift position in the Middletown Area School District in Middletown, Pennsylvania. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7.5 hours per day, for 190 days per year. Salary follows the Collective Bargaining Agreement schedule: $28,880 for a high school diploma (daily rate $152.00), or $31,160 (daily rate $164.00) for high school plus 48 college credits, an associate degree, or five years of classroom support, for the 2026–27 school year.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Be certified as a Qualified Paraprofessional as required under Chapter 14, or have the ability and willingness to become qualified within established timelines.
Be trained in CPR, first aid, and AED, and fully certified to participate actively in Safe Crisis Management (SCM) or another restraint management system as required by the program; alternatively, have the ability and willingness to obtain this training and certification and to administer the procedures.
Ability to lift or assist with lifting students with special needs: up to 40 pounds without assistance and more with assistance.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with a special needs population.

Responsibilities

Work with the teacher as a team member in students’ educational and social development.
Assist the teacher in developing and maintaining a positive environment.
Act as a positive social and emotional model for students.
Perform instructional activities and monitor their results under the teacher’s direction.
Assist the teacher with student behavior management in accordance with established disciplinary policies and procedures.
Perform CPR, first aid, and proper child-restraint techniques as needed.
Provide the teacher with relevant information about students’ academic progress, behavioral changes, physical needs, and other appropriate areas.
Follow established CAIU policies and administrative procedures.
Protect student confidentiality in accordance with the CAIU Policy on Confidentiality of Information (FERPA).
Assist with students’ personal care needs as directed.
Assist students to and from vehicles and other parts of the building, and during off-site experiences; this may include lifting.
Perform clerical and housekeeping duties as required.
Foster positive working relationships with teachers and internal and external staff, including district, community, and agency staff.
Provide coverage under a certified professional teacher’s supervision and monitor recess, lunch, and other activities as needed.
Participate in preparing materials, bulletin boards, and other displays.
Follow the assigned schedule, including attendance and start and end times, and maintain punctuality.
Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, particularly the Pennsylvania School Code.
Attend in-services, training, and meetings as directed.
Serve on CAIU teams as directed.
Assume other responsibilities assigned by the Executive Director or designee.