Paraeducator, Early Childhood Education (0.8 FTE) - Harriet Tubman CDC (2026-27)

Oakland Unified School District • Oakland, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, this role assists a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students in an assigned educational program. The para-educator helps children meet the goals and objectives of their Individualized Education Plan (IEP), attends to students' physical and health needs, and monitors and reports student progress. This position involves a variety of clerical and supportive duties related to classroom activities and management. It is distinguished by its primary responsibility for attendant physical duties, assisting with basic health needs, and supporting the classroom teacher in creating engaging academic environments. This role can serve as a step towards professional development as an Instructional Support Specialist or a certificated position. Specialized skills are required for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Para-Educators (proficient communication using signing systems like ASL) and Visual Impairment Para-Educators (ability to read Braille, operate specialized equipment, and assist students in navigating the school environment).

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• An Associate of Arts degree or higher, OR 48 or more college units, OR a passing score on a test (CBEST, ParaPro or CODESP)
• Relevant training or course work in child growth and development, instructional technology or closely related field.
• One year of experience working with children of various age levels in a classroom setting
• Experience attending to students with physical needs preferred
• Possess and maintain a valid First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate
• Willingness to complete at least 15 hours of additional training as required to perform the duties of the job; including, without limitation, annual training describing the duties as mandated reporters of child abuse
• Proficiently and effectively communicate using a signing system such as American Sign Language (ASL), Pidgeon Signed English (PSE), Manually Coded English (MCE) and facial expressions appropriate to student’s level of understanding (for DHH Para-Educator).
• Ability to read and demonstrate Braille (for Visual Impairment Para-Educator).
• Ability to operate supportive equipment, including without limitation, audio devices; Braille printer computer, tactile and Braille production equipment, and copiers (for Visual Impairment Para-Educator).
• Ability to assist students with moving through the school environment and, where appropriate, use of a cane (for Visual Impairment Para-Educator).
• Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment.
• Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher.
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
• Communicate effectively in the English language, both orally and in writing.
• Assist students with disabilities in areas related to activities of daily function, such as feeding, toileting, exercises, and positioning.
• Reinforce instruction to students with disabilities, communication, and behavioral problems.
• Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude towards children with special needs.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Learn the procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties.
• Remain calm and exercise judgment in dealing with emergencies and special health needs.
• Gather data and prepare reports, as directed.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with students, school personnel, parents, co-workers, and the public.
• Work independently with appropriate direction and follow established policies and practices.
• Work confidentially and with discretion.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Supervise and discipline students according to approved policies and policies.
• Learn and use technology and computer software applications as appropriate to the work environment.
• Use tact, patience, and courtesy when dealing with people, and discretion in handling of confidential records.
• Understand and be sensitive to those of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Use initiative and judgment in discussing problems involving practices and policies with the public and District staff.
• Read, understand, interpret, and follow laws, rules, regulations, processes, policies, and methods of the office, the District, and the State of California in accordance with assigned duties.
• Qualify for a Standard First Aid and CPR certificate.
• Apply integrity and trust in all situations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience attending to students with physical needs

Responsibilities

• Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to students (in Pre-K through Young Adult) in an assigned classroom or program including, but not limited to Special Day Class (SDC) or other programs.
• Assist students with disabilities to meet the goals and objectives included in their IEP.
• Read IEP goals to support instruction to maximize student progress when trained by appropriate staff.
• Communicate with teachers and/or parents as may be required to assist in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Implement classwide and individual behavior strategies to effectively maintain a safe learning environment when trained by appropriate staff, when needed.
• Communicate professionally with other staff and parents, both written and verbal, to provide seamless and transparent communication between all parties.
• Implement, under direction of teacher, lesson plans; assist individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher.
• Monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts and assisting students in reaching academic goals and grade level standards.
• Assist students with washing, toileting (may include lifting on and off toilet), diapering, dressing and undressing, grooming and other activities necessary for maintaining personal hygiene and neatness.
• Assist with the transportation of students; position and reposition students requiring the use of medical equipment, wheelchairs, braces, and other orthopedic equipment.
• Make minor adjustments on lifting and other equipment as necessary; assure the safe use and operation of wheelchairs, prosthetic devices and other equipment.
• Assist with the loading and unloading of students on and from buses, automobiles, wheelchairs, stretchers and gurneys.
• May volunteer, on an annual basis, to be trained to administer Diastat and will administer Diastat as needed.
• May also volunteer to perform medical procedures when trained and supervised by appropriate staff.
• Provide basic first aid and specialized health care as needed and directed.
• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures.
• Assist the teacher in monitoring, motivating and training students with disabilities; observe and manage behavior of students according to approved procedures.
• Report progress regarding student performance and behavior; follow the behavior intervention plan.
• Perform a variety of clerical duties such as preparing, typing and duplicating instructional materials, scoring papers and recording grades.
• Assist in keeping attendance; prepare and maintain student files as assigned.
• Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas and displays, operating audio-visual equipment, and distributing and collecting papers, supplies and materials.
• Confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs.
• Administer, monitor and score a variety of tests and assignments to comply with established test criteria and provide a reliable testing environment; rephrase materials and explain instructions and words.
• Assist students in developing self-help, social and communication skills as assigned.
• Notify immediately appropriate personnel and agencies, and follow established procedures when there is reasonable suspicion of substance abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions or potential suicide.
• Assist in monitoring lunchroom activities and mealtime procedures, including feeding and cleaning.
• Assist in carrying out positive reinforcement procedures and reactive strategies identified in a behavior support plan, such as prompting student to switch to functionally equivalent replacement behavior and debriefing during the school day.
• Respond to emergency situations to ensure immediate resolution and appropriate documentation of safety concerns by appropriate personnel.
• Assist with the supervision of students in and outside the classroom, recess and other playground activities and accompany students on field trips by helping students with physical needs, maintain discipline and reinforcing learning situations.
• Operate a variety of office, instructional and audio-visual equipment as assigned.
• Provide technical assistance in the operation and maintenance of specialized instructional equipment as assigned.
• Maintain basic knowledge of computers including Microsoft Office.
• Assist with data collection; take data on goals and determine when a student has reached a benchmark to ensure continued and ongoing student progress when trained by appropriate staff.
• Work as part of a team of professionals for the betterment of the special education programs and site as a whole.
• Help keep classrooms and other school facilities neat, clean, orderly and safe.
• Direct group activities of students.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
• Adhere to site and department codes of conduct.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development and attend various in-service meetings to acquire and/or convey information relative to job functions to support and maintain an effective educational environment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Medical insurance (implied by First Aid/CPR requirement and general school district benefits)
• Retirement plan (implied by classified position in a school district)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED