Paraeducator I - (Special Edu Instructional Support)

Conejo Valley Unified School District•Newbury Park, CA

45d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the immediate supervision of an assigned school administrator and general direction of a classroom teacher, provides instructional assistance to students individually and/or in groups according to state standards, classroom objectives and the individualized education program (IEP), including health and/or behavioral plans; provides emergency health-related assistance to students as needed. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICIS BETWEEN RELATED JOB CLASSES Positions in the Paraeducator I job classification primarily focus on providing instructional and physical assistance to students who are developing the foundation for progressive mastery of reading, writing, and mathematics. Assignments within this job classification may be allocated across various programs within the Special Education program of the District, including Autism, LEAP, Resource, SDC, and 1:1 student support services. All duties performed by a Paraeducator I may also be performed by a Paraeducator II and Paraeducator III The Paraeducator I will primarily provide non-intrusive medical health assistance, and/or emergency specialized medical support, whereas a Paraeducator II may provide intrusive medical assistance, including daily specialized medical support. The Paraeducator I may be tasked with learning and implementing behavior management plans, including basic techniques such as prompting, or guidance, whereas positions assigned to Paraeducator III are responsible for implementing behavior intervention strategies requiring significant training and knowledge of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), ongoing data collection, assessment and recommendation of appropriate intervention strategies.

Requirements

High school diploma or an equivalent.
Completion of at least two years of study (48 units) at an institution of higher education, or Associates or higher degree highly desirable.
One year of experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults in an organizational setting.
Valid California Class C Driver's License
Knowledge of: Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation;
Basic mathematical concepts appropriate to supporting school instruction;
Non-violent crisis intervention techniques and principles;
Fundamentals in classroom behavior management and support;
Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct;
Child guidance and adolescent development principles and practices;
Applicable laws, codes, policies and regulations related to assigned activities.
Ability to: Maintain professional integrity, respect, empathy, and patience with students having a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities
Provide physical care and communicate effectively with students with special needs from age 3 to 22
Assist in lifting and moving students who may wear heavy braces, use wheelchairs, and other orthopedic devices
Learn and apply behavior management and intervention techniques
Communicate effectively in the English language, both orally and in writing
Show composure and clear thinking in emergencies and under stressful circumstances;
Adapt quickly to new students and to changes in IEPs
Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with students and staff
Recognize and report safety hazards
Learn, understand, and apply applicable laws, rules, practices, and procedures
Learn to use specialized instructional technologies
Model communication and interaction that respect and include all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions, and cultures
Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines;
Use tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive, complex and/or confidential issues and situations

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with special developmental needs is desirable.

Responsibilities

Assists teacher(s) with implementation of students' IEP goals and objectives through instruction and a wide variety of prescribed activities; reinforces classroom instruction through follow-up learning activities; provides additional tutoring to students in academic subject areas as assigned.
Confers with teacher(s), and other school personnel as appropriate, regarding programs and materials to meet student need.
Assists in gathering, assembling, and preparing various instructional materials and learning aides for delivering classroom instruction and related activities.
Provides assistance with classroom, outdoor playground, cafeteria, and field trip travel supervision; ensures students are not leaving designated areas.
Directs students to engage safely in learning activities and school functions, and assists in shaping of appropriate social behaviors.
Assists the teacher with behavior management and intervention plans; may record behavior incidents.
Applies approved behavior intervention techniques to maintain student safety as required.
Assesses crisis situations and intervenes to defuse situations using conflict resolution, crisis intervention, restraints, or assisting staff as appropriate;
Assists students with personal care such as washing, grooming, toileting, and diaper changing.
Assists in keeping classroom neat, clean, and safe; assists in developing and maintaining the classroom learning environment that enhances student learning.
Reinforces functional academic concepts with music, puppets, big books and devices.
Collaborates with other service providers such as speech and adaptive physical education specialist.
Assists in hand-over-hand activities with students with limited fine motor skills.
Assists with proctoring assessments, grading assignments and assisting in library research;
Under the direct supervision and observation of a certificated staff, assists students with taking medication under prescribed policies and procedures.
May ride with students on the bus which transports the students to and from school and assists students in moving to and from activities on school site or campus.
Under the supervision of a certificated staff, assists with feeding students unable to feed themselves.
Attends in-services and staff meetings as required
May provide assistance to students in transitioning in and out of wheelchairs, braces, and other equipment.
May assists the teacher with routine classroom clerical tasks such as making photocopies and preparing and assembling classroom materials
May accompany students in vocational training setting and/or on community outings.
Maintains confidentiality of student information in accordance with legal requirements and policies
Performs other related duties as required