Paraeducator (2 openings)

Bellingham School District - Bellingham, MA

Full-time

Bellingham, MA

About the position

The Paraeducator position at Stall Brook Elementary School is a vital role that supports teachers and students in the educational process. This position is scheduled for ten months, totaling 184 days, and follows the school calendar. Paraeducators will work either 33.75 hours per week (6.75 hours/day) for preschool/elementary/KMA or 35 hours per week (7 hours/day) for BMS/BHS. The role involves assisting teachers with various instructional and non-instructional duties, ensuring a supportive learning environment for students.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher with student instruction direct and/or indirect.
• Assist the teacher with the selection and utilization of educational materials and general supplies.
• Assist the teacher in administering achievement and/or diagnostic testing.
• Assist the teacher in implementation of behavior modification programs.
• Assist the teacher with general classroom management.
• Assist with addressing student behavior and encouraging effort in the classroom.
• Assist the teacher in supervision of students involved in school activities.
• Assist the teacher in preparing for the day's activities during regularly scheduled hours.
• Assume responsibility for the classroom teacher in their absence including a daily rate increase, when needed.
• Flexibility to perform duties across a variety of classrooms and school environments.
• Participate in staff development programs required by the Building Principal and or Student Services Department.
• Under the supervision of a certified teacher, and in accordance with student's IEP, prepare for classroom instructional events and other educational or non-educational activities.
• Assist the teacher in implementing support strategies and interventions developed by the teacher and/or BCBA for reinforcing skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Provide positive and appropriate role models for students at all times and treat students with the respect due them as individual members of the community.
• Assist in the teaching process and works directly with children to provide class support in the areas of academics, social skills, self-care (ADL's), and vocational skills.
• Assist and reinforce generalization in skill development and community integration.
• Completion of onboarding process including district policies and procedures, and annual mandatory trainings.
• Serve as a resource person about the student(s) in communicating with the teachers regarding specific instruction with students relative to specific goal attainment.
• Assist in behavioral interventions/able to achieve Safety Care certification (full restraint training provided).
• Assist in implementing treatment plans, health plans, safety plans and behavior plans, etc. for various students in order to create a safe and successful learning experience.
• Perform Data Collection (if required).
• Work as a member of a team with other staff members (BCBA, RBT, etc).
• Be able to apply ABA Strategies (specific training will be provided).
• Assist in toileting certain students with disabilities (if required).
• Lift and carry certain students with disabilities per IEP (if required).
• Any other duties as directed by the Principal, BCBA and/or Director of Student Services.

Requirements

• Passing score on the ParaPro Test or other state approved assessment program. ParaPro is waived with associate degree.
• Associate's degree preferred.
• Willingness to accept direction and cooperate with all staff.
• Prior experience working with children in a school setting, preferred.
• Evidence of emotional maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work involved.
• Ability to move in and out of an office, classrooms, building, and up and down stairs.
• Must possess mobility to work in a classroom and strength to lift and carry material weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Strength to lift/or carry materials/items/persons weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance as the students may need positioning.
• Ability to climb stairs, kneel and move easily on and off floor mats.
• Ability to use good judgment and exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with others.
• Ability to respect confidential matters; sensitivity to and respect of the problems of children.
• Traits of resourcefulness, thoroughness, initiative, patience, courtesy, dependability, and enthusiasm.
• Ability and willingness to learn and use Assistive Technology.
• Ability to use Online Platforms through Google Meets and Google Classroom, etc.

Nice-to-haves

• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent of Schools may find appropriate and acceptable.