Paraprofessional - ECSE

Portage Public Schools•Portage, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the teacher, the paraprofessional provides both instructional and non-instructional support to early childhood special education students in the least restrictive environment within the school setting. This role may also involve serving as a liaison between special and regular education teachers, supporting additional or different students at any given time, and providing additional information for IEPs and conferences.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
The equivalent of 2 years of college (60 semester credits) or an Associate’s degree or higher OR the successful completion of the MDE approved Paraprofessional standards test (ETS).
Experience working with children.
Demonstrated abilities in the area of interpersonal communication.
A high degree of patience, ability and willingness to learn new skills and take direction.

Responsibilities

Assist teacher during lessons by finishing assignment instructions.
Work with individuals or small groups of students on follow-up activities.
Record data on student performance.
Remove and put on outer clothing for arrival, recess, and dismissal times.
Assist in lifting and positioning students, diapering, opening thermos/cartons, feeding, convenient seating at group activities, and maintaining time schedules.
Supervise playground, offsite activities, and independent wheelchair/walker travel to assure safety.
Assist with medical needs, which may include catheterizing removal and attaching of splints/casts/braces.
Observe students for the purpose of charting behavior and offer assistance in the administration of behavior modification principles.
Fill out, distribute, and/or collect checklists.
Reinforce instruction by administering drill activities for individuals or small groups.
Monitor students to develop independence in daily living skills.
Assist in supervising during non-instructional periods such as snack time, free time, recess, bathroom breaks, and preparation for gym, lunch, bus, etc.
Transfer students to and from the bus.
Assist students with behavioral needs using trained techniques as needed.
Assist in implementing behavior management programs.
Maintain regular and consistent attendance.
Comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Portage Public Schools Employee Handbook.