Paraeducator, Special Education, Cockeysville Middle (.5 FTE/10 months)

BCPS • Cockeysville, MD

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of a teacher, the Paraeducator assists students with tasks that promote learning and well-being. The role supports students individually and in groups with life skills, instructional reinforcement, classroom management, and transitions on and off buses. It also includes helping students with self-care, personal grooming, mobility, and feeding when needed; monitoring behavior; collecting assessment information; communicating student observations and progress to instructional staff; and completing classroom and clerical tasks. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Meet at least one of the following qualification options: 48 college credits; a ParaPro Assessment passing score of 455 or higher before 9/1/2026; ParaPathways minimum passing scores of 332 in Reading/Writing and 334 in Mathematics; or Foundations of Classroom Support minimum passing score of 220.
• Knowledge of working with individuals with developmental, emotional, physical, and/or learning disabilities.
• Knowledge of the educational system.
• Effective communication skills and ability to establish rapport with students, their families, employers, and staff.
• Training skills and ability to provide classroom and instructional support to students with special needs.
• Ability to supervise students and manage behavior.
• Ability to operate a computer and learn software programs.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• May be required to work afternoons, evenings, and weekends based on student schedules.
• Some positions may require a physical examination and/or drug testing.
• Employees must complete fingerprinting and a criminal background investigation; proper identification and documentation of eligibility to work in the United States are required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with individuals with developmental, emotional, learning, and/or physical disabilities is preferred.
• One year of experience working with students in structured situations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional lessons, materials, and strategies to meet individual and group student needs.
• Support students individually or in groups with instructional activities, skills reinforcement, recreational play, field-trip supervision, and special programs.
• Help maintain an attractive, neat, and safe classroom.
• Assist or train students up to age 21 in self-care and personal grooming, including dressing, teeth brushing, toileting, and diapering.
• Adjust braces, walkers, and wheelchairs when applicable.
• Push, lift, and transfer non-ambulatory students, and assist students on and off buses.
• Assist students with feeding when required.
• Help teachers monitor student behavior in classrooms and school areas.
• Observe students and gather assessment data; discuss observations and student progress with instructional staff.
• Perform clerical tasks such as correcting papers and tests, keeping daily attendance logs, and maintaining student folders and records.
• Operate a computer and basic office equipment as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible employees may choose from medical, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and disability coverage.
• 403(b) and 457 plans are available.
• Sick leave, paid holidays, personal business days, and bereavement days.
• Flexible leave options, including FMLA, sick bank, and board-approved leaves.
• Eligible for membership in the Maryland State Retirement System.
• May be eligible for extra-duty activity pay, as approved by the Supervisor/Principal.

What This Job Offers

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