Paraprofessional Aide - Special Needs

Personnel Commission•Madera, CA

About The Position

Under the general direction of the site Principal or Designee, the Paraprofessional-Special Needs supports the instructional program in an assigned classroom. The position assists with the supervision, care, and instruction of students with disabilities, as defined by IDEA, in general or self-contained classrooms and intervention settings, including reading labs. The aide assists with implementing instructional plans, monitors student behavior during non-classroom time, provides information to appropriate school personnel, and attends IEP meetings as necessary or appropriate. This role provides specialized instructional support that contributes directly to student learning and achievement. The position works under direct supervision using standardized procedures, and may lead, guide, or coordinate others. Work is performed indoors and outdoors and involves extended periods of sitting, standing, or walking. The work calendar is 204 days, with work hours listed as TBD (7 hours per day); the work location is also TBD. The salary schedule is Classified Salary Range 17.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One year of experience working with children in a specialized learning environment.
Completion of 48 units from a nationally accredited college or university, an associate degree or higher, or passage of a local assessment test.
CPR and First Aid certificates; the application process specifies a valid hands-on certificate covering infant, child, and adult CPR/First Aid, and does not accept online certificates.
Pass the District’s applicable proficiency examination with a satisfactory score; the competency examination is weighted at 100%, and a passing overall score of 70% or higher is required for placement on the Eligibility List.
After an employment offer, obtain Criminal Justice and FBI fingerprint clearance, a negative TB test with periodic post-employment retesting as required, and a pre-employment physical examination through the District’s provider.
Knowledge of the needs and issues of students with disabilities; child development and instructional processes; public education goals; basic K–12 subjects; student direction, discipline, and motivation; recordkeeping; classroom management and playground rules; safety practices; conflict resolution; and de-escalation.
Ability to support students’ self-help and social skills; plan and prioritize learning activities; perform basic clerical and arithmetic tasks; use standard office equipment and software; communicate in written and spoken English; maintain confidentiality; follow instructions, rules, and procedures; supervise and work independently with students; maintain safe environments and effective working relationships; and meet schedules and deadlines.
Ability to move actively around a playing field, playground, or campus for extended periods.
Ability to lift or carry students or items weighing up to 35 pounds and perform physical activities such as stooping, crouching, reaching, handling, bending, kneeling, and crawling.
Ability to hear and speak to exchange information and to use near and far visual acuity to read instructional materials and supervise students.

Responsibilities

Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials under teacher direction to support classroom objectives; when assigned to a reading lab, use the District-adopted reading curriculum and provide evidence of student progress.
Administer tests and support homework and make-up work.
Assist students with clothing, possessions, personal care, and mobility needs; may accompany students on the school bus.
Assist teachers in supporting students with qualifying disabilities, including behavioral, physical, language, social/emotional, and learning disabilities, to promote equal opportunity, participation, and independence.
Attend meetings and in-service presentations, including training in first aid, CPR, behavioral practices, and emergency or lockdown procedures.
Communicate with instructional staff and professional support personnel to help evaluate student progress and implement IEP objectives.
Implement behavioral plans developed by an IEP team under the supervision of the assigned teacher.
Maintain instructional materials and manual or electronic files and records, including daily Student Service Logs.
Monitor students in school settings such as restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeterias, and parking lots to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
Provide individual and group instruction under teacher supervision in academic subjects, social skills, and daily living skills to reinforce objectives and implement IEP plans.
Perform other related duties and mandatory District trainings as assigned.