Paraeducator - Mainstream Special Education

Bethel School District 403•Spanaway, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraeducator - Mainstream Special Education assists certificated staff with instructional and non-instructional activities for mainstream special education students. The role may involve instructing students individually or in small groups, monitoring and documenting student behavior and progress, and supervising student activities. Assignments may be in classrooms or resource rooms. The position is 6.5 hours per day for 178 days per year. During the first year, the schedule includes 7 hours per day for 4 days, and in each following year 2 days, until certification is completed. Pay is listed at PSE Salary Schedule Level 5, $25.40. The position reports to the school principal and receives guidance from the assigned program administrator, teacher, or program specialist. The employee must successfully complete the state-mandated Fundamental Course of Studies (FCS) and General Paraeducator Certificate Program, which is dependent on state funding. Fingerprinting and a background check are required. The role also requires training in and adherence to the district infection control plan and hepatitis-B immunization; first aid and CPR certification and Right Response certification may be required.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Meet at least one federal minimum employment qualification: pass the ParaPathways Assessment or Pearson Paraprofessional assessment; hold an associate degree or higher; earn 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at an accredited higher-education institution; complete a registered apprenticeship offered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries; or successfully complete The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program.
Successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies (FCS) and General Paraeducator Certificate Program, subject to state funding.
Demonstrate reading, writing, and communication skills; knowledge of basic subjects such as reading and math; and the ability to work warmly and confidently with students.
Be able to adapt to assignment changes, organize activities, follow and give instructions, and work fairly and consistently with students.
Be able to learn effective behavior-management and instructional techniques and have knowledge of behavior and learning disorders and student safety procedures.
Be able to learn to use computers and software for student instruction and record keeping, as well as general office machines.
Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff.
Complete fingerprinting and a background check to determine there are no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor.
Complete training in and adhere to the district infection control plan, and obtain hepatitis-B immunization.
Have education, training, skills, and experience necessary for the assignment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with school-age children and students with special needs.
For Title One and Title One School-wide Special Education positions, an associate degree, proof of completion of the Washington State Paraeducator Assessment, or two years of higher education is specified.

Responsibilities

Instruct students individually or in small groups in learning activities, providing encouragement and reinforcement toward educational objectives defined by certificated staff; under their direction, administer and supervise objective tests or other measurements.
Communicate with certificated staff about individual student progress, adjust methods to meet students' disability-related needs, and consult about remediation or enrichment activities.
Assist certificated staff with maintaining student assessment records, logs, charts, assignments, and other records; correct, score, or grade work according to instructions.
Supervise student behavior in classrooms, playgrounds, halls, lunch or break areas, bus boarding areas, field trips, and other assigned locations; promote safety, apply discipline according to established procedures, and teach behavioral rules and codes.
Assist students in mastering interpersonal and personal skills.
Maintain effective communication with students, staff, parents, and the public concerning student progress, safety, and community relations.
Provide physical assistance to students with disabilities, including lifting, positioning, or personal hygiene assistance, as needed.
Monitor injured or ill students for first-aid needs and refer them for treatment as appropriate.
Alert qualified district staff to student problems.
Locate, prepare, or modify materials for student use, enrichment activities, and special projects under certificated staff direction.
Prepare, duplicate, collate, and distribute materials, and operate office equipment.
Model appropriate and cooperative behavior, protect confidential information, and follow district ethical guidelines.
May serve on district committees or departmental work teams and perform related duties within the scope of the position.