Paraeducator - 1:1 Developmental Learning Classroom

Olympia School District • Olympia, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Paraeducator in a 1:1 Developmental Learning Classroom assists with the supervision and instruction of students to address academic, social/emotional, and functional life goals across instructional settings, which may include the community. The role supports certificated staff in implementing individualized education program (IEP) plans, creating educational materials, monitoring and documenting student progress, and maintaining a safe, positive, and productive learning environment. Duties may include supporting students’ communication and occupational or physical therapy goals, providing health and personal care assistance, and helping students develop independence.

This is a 6.0-hour-per-day continuing position, Monday through Friday, 7:50 a.m. to 2:20 p.m., for 180 days per year, plus 10 paid holidays. Employees and their families may be eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance through SEBB. Employees are eligible to enroll in the applicable Department of Retirement Services plan and the Deferred Compensation Program. Vacation leave, paid holidays, and additional compensation are provided as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Final benefit eligibility is determined at hire.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• When applicable, successful completion of one qualifying option: ETS Parapro assessment; Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program; 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at an institution of higher education; or an associate’s degree or higher. College credits must be at the 100 level or above, and official transcripts are required where applicable.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance.
• Prior job-related experience with school-age children who qualify for special education.
• Participation in all OSD-required health-related training.
• Ability to perform basic clerical functions and arithmetic calculations, operate standard office equipment, and use written and spoken English with correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; maintain confidential student records; meet schedules and deadlines; interpret and apply rules, regulations, and policies; and rapidly learn instructional methods and materials.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with team members.
• Ability to maintain alertness, anticipate and prevent unsafe situations or behavioral escalation, and respond promptly to protect student safety.
• Ability to facilitate positive communication and social skills and support student participation and learning, including in community settings.
• Ability to use effective instructional management techniques to engage students in learning activities.
• Ability to implement adopted curricula and student plans consistently, collect student data independently and accurately, and adjust interactions to promote student understanding and success.
• Ability to maintain high expectations for learning and maximize student independence.
• Ability to provide instruction or follow teacher instructions across general and special education curricular areas.
• Significant physical abilities include prolonged sitting; reaching and handling; talking and hearing conversations; near and far visual acuity; moving quickly in response to potential danger; restraining students when necessary using district-approved techniques; and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Right Response Training is preferred.
• First Aid and CPR training may be required.
• Right Response Certification, or willingness to obtain and maintain it.
• Willingness to participate in appropriate training to gain necessary skills, such as Type II License or Food Handlers Permit.
• Possession of, or willingness to obtain, training in district instructional methodologies such as STAR, FACTER, Structured Teaching, and ABA.

Responsibilities

• Assist certificated staff with implementing IEP-related plans, including functional behavioral assessments, behavior intervention plans, aversive therapy plans, and activities connected to communication and OT/PT goals.
• Help create educational materials that support student progress toward IEP goals and objectives.
• Collect and communicate data to help certificated staff evaluate student progress.
• Provide first aid, medical assistance, and health care support, including personal hygiene and toileting assistance when necessary.
• Maintain student files and records to support appropriate special education programs.
• Monitor students across educational settings to maintain a safe, positive learning environment and facilitate curriculum, material, and schedule accommodations or modifications.
• Assist other personnel in implementing student instructional and behavioral programs and carrying out duties that support students.
• Collaborate with staff to evaluate student progress and implement student objectives.
• Contribute to a positive and productive learning environment for students and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality in communications about students, staff, and parents.
• Facilitate student independence in instructional settings.
• Participate in team meetings and required training to collaborate, share information, and improve job-related skills and knowledge.
• Create visual supports, student schedules, and reward systems.
• Implement instructional techniques and modifications appropriate for students with significant needs.
• Use de-escalation strategies, monitor for potential safety issues, and respond promptly to protect students.
• Support students’ communication, social skills, engagement, and learning across school and community settings.
• Use assistive or adaptive technology and methods to support communication and adaptive living skills.
• Implement district-adopted curricula and individual student plans consistently and with fidelity; collect relevant student data accurately and consistently.
• Provide instruction or follow teacher directions in general and/or special education curricular areas across school settings.
• Represent the Olympia School District professionally when supporting students in community or other public settings.

Benefits

• Medical insurance for eligible employees and their families, subject to final eligibility determination.
• Dental insurance for eligible employees and their families, subject to final eligibility determination.
• Vision insurance for eligible employees and their families, subject to final eligibility determination.
• Basic life insurance for eligible employees and their families, subject to final eligibility determination.
• Eligibility to enroll in the applicable Department of Retirement Services plan (SERS for classified employees or TERS for certificated employees).
• Eligibility to enroll in the DRS Deferred Compensation Program.
• Vacation leave.
• Paid holidays, including 10 paid holidays per year.
• Additional compensation as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

What This Job Offers

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