Elementary Paraprofessional II - Special Ed

Edmond Public Schools•Edmond, OK

37d•$16 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

Assisting special education students as they receive the services mandated on their Individualized Education Programs (IEP). Paraprofessionals will provide instructional support and services under the direct supervision of a fully certified teacher. Paraprofessionals support students with needs such as safety, academics, social, behavioral, and physical, while always striving to allow for appropriate levels of student independence. Paraprofessionals assist the teacher with classroom preparation and management, such as organizing instructional materials and maintaining documentation.

Requirements

School wide: Title I sites require Paraprofessional's have completed 48 semester hours of college coursework; or obtained an associate's (or higher) degree; or High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) and pass the Work Keys test with a bronze level or higher.
In addition to the above requirements, within 120 calendar days of employment a Special Education Paraprofessional must complete the following requirements: all Eight OSDE Paraprofessional Pepper Modules, maintain current CPR/First Aid certification, and Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens yearly training. As well as, six hours of district provided professional development each year.
Paraprofessionals must have the ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, and to write simple correspondence. The Paraprofessional will need to be able to effectively communicate in one-on-one and small group situations to students and other employees of the school district.
Paraprofessional must have the ability to perform basic math operations, including figuring percentages, fractions and possibly ratios. Maintain accurate data records, which provide documentation of students' programs under the supervision of the special education teacher, administrator, and other professionals as needed.
Paraprofessional should have the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables. Have the ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished to them in written, oral, chart/diagram, or scheduled format.
Ability to use computer and computer related programs and other technologies needed to perform essential job functions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff. Dress in appropriate clothing. Demonstrate punctuality and good attendance, report absences as directed by administration. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.
Knowledge of confidentiality laws. Demonstrate caring and compassionate personality & patience. Ability to make responsible judgments for students' safety.

Nice To Haves

Former experience with children, particularly special needs children is preferred.

Responsibilities

Adhere to federal laws; state regulations; district policy; including maintaining confidentiality regarding students.
Adhere to all building site procedures; classroom management rules and routines; as well as safety practices and procedures in all work venues.
Responsible for following directives of certified school personnel and carrying through with all activities deemed appropriate by the teacher who has classroom instruction and management responsibilities.
Supervise designated student(s) in a variety of educational settings (e.g., classroom, playground, specials (P.E., Music, Art), arrival and departure from school, busses, hallways, media center, computer lab, transition program job sites, etc.).
Assist with implementation of accommodations and/or modifications in mainstream classroom.
Accompany students to related services therapy sessions when appropriate.
Implement behavior modification techniques.
Mediate interpersonal conflicts between students. Provide reinforcement and support according to IEPs and/or individual behavior plans.
Assist in preparation of classroom activities, materials, and subsequent follow-up/cleanup.
Collect data and documentation relative to student performance and behavior.
Demonstrate an understanding of prompt hierarchies (e.g., visual, verbal etc.).
Keep attendance; assist in calculations of data sheets.
Work with groups or individuals as instructed by the certified staff.
Supervise children during assemblies, rehearsals and performances of programs during the school day.
Supervise lunch and recess times.
Communicate with teacher all relevant observations and insights regarding the student's program, behavior modifications, and progress of students.
If school site participates in Special Olympics, Paraprofessional will assist in teaching and conditioning of student preparation for Special Olympics; as well as accompany students to Special Olympics.
Assist students using the restroom, change diapers, clean-up after student accidents.
Assist with daily living activities (e.g., may include but not limited to, eating, brushing teeth, buttoning, zipping, shoe tying, combing hair, etc.).
Assist with pre-vocational skills (e.g., sorting, sequencing, job type task-sweeping, cleaning, etc.).
Attend in-service training sessions.
Maintain required certifications.
Other duties as assigned.