Paraeducator - Exceptional Student Education Self Contained

Polk County Public Schools•Haines City, FL

About The Position

This position assists a specific Exceptional Student Education (ESE) student with the student’s instructional and developmental program. The paraeducator provides clerical support, student supervision, behavior management, and other educational assistance throughout the school day under the general supervision of supervisors and teachers. Performance is evaluated through observation and may also be assessed through conferences, critiques, records, and reports. The role includes supporting teachers with student records, teaching materials, assignments, instruction, and classroom activities. It may also involve helping students with daily living skills and personal care, performing trained non-invasive medical procedures, supporting behavior monitoring or a Crisis Prevention Intervention team, and using technology to support instruction and assigned tasks. The paraeducator attends necessary meetings and in-service training and becomes familiar with the policies, procedures, equipment, and work site relevant to the assignment.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or completion of a GED, and either 60 or more credit hours, an associate degree or higher from an accredited school, or a passing score on the Para Pro exam.
Sincere interest in educating and working with exceptional children.
Ability to understand written and oral instructions; speak and write coherently; keep records and prepare simple reports; and work cooperatively and professionally with school personnel and parents.
Ability to perform the physical activities described for the role, including frequent lifting, carrying, moving, or positioning of objects weighing up to 40 pounds and, infrequently, 100 pounds or more with help as necessary.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual/biliterate ability.

Responsibilities

Attend meetings and appropriate in-service training, and become familiar with the assigned work site, its equipment, and applicable philosophies, policies, and procedures.
Assist teachers with maintaining student records, preparing and distributing instructional materials, and grading student assignments.
Supervise students during meals, special programs and classes, staffings, field trips, bus loading and unloading, and playground duty.
As needed and with appropriate training, change, diaper, or feed students and perform non-invasive medical procedures.
Reinforce instruction with individuals and small groups and provide tutoring under teacher direction and supervision.
Help ensure classrooms and other instructional areas provide for students’ safety, care, and enrichment.
As needed, monitor behavior and assist the Crisis Prevention Intervention team.
Prepare classroom projects, supervise students, support field trips and discipline, and assist students with daily living skills.
Use technology to enhance instruction and complete assigned tasks.
Perform other duties as assigned.