Paraprofessional

East Providence School Department•East Providence, RI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraprofessional works under the direction and supervision of a teacher to adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials; reinforce learning; and implement instructional and behavioral plans designed by an IEP team. The role supports students individually and in small or large groups across classroom and other school settings, including activities of daily living and in-class and out-of-class routines, to help maintain a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment. Building-based Paraprofessionals primarily cover the duties of an absent, full-time Paraprofessional. The position also involves ongoing professional development and other related duties as assigned. The work takes place in school environments with noise levels normally found in an office and school. Physical duties include sitting, bending, stretching, walking, talking, hearing, handling materials, and lifting or moving objects. The employee may lift objects up to 25 pounds and occasionally heavier items; lifting over 40 pounds requires two people. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or successful completion of the Para Pro Test.
Completion of the Teacher Assistant Training Course.
Ability to work well with children with disabilities.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Knowledge of general office equipment.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Good organizational skills.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including sitting, bending, stretching, walking, frequent hand use, and lifting or moving objects up to at least 25 pounds; items over 40 pounds require two people.

Responsibilities

Work under the teacher’s supervision and direction in school activities and instruction.
Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce material or skills initially introduced by the teacher.
Assist with large-group activities such as practice work, reading aloud, and storytelling.
Help the teacher devise strategies for reinforcing learning based on students’ needs, interests, and abilities.
Guide independent study, enrichment, and remedial work assigned by the teacher.
Help students use technology or instructional materials as assigned.
Implement instructional and behavioral plans designed by the IEP team under the direction of supervising instructional staff.
Monitor and record academic or behavioral data on students as assigned.
Assist with collaborative teaching, including work in general education classrooms, and support academic instruction by certified itinerant teachers or related-service providers.
Distribute and collect instructional materials.
Help supervise students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips, and other non-instructional periods.
Read to students, listen to students read, and participate in other oral communication with students.
Assist students with activities of daily living, including eating, dressing, toileting and hygiene, and transitions.
Maintain ongoing communication with educators about student issues or relevant information.
Maintain ethical conduct and confidentiality of student and family information in accordance with FERPA.
Serve as a primary information source for substitute teachers assigned in the usual teacher’s absence.
Participate in assigned in-service training and ongoing professional development related to the position.
Maintain CPI (non-violent crisis intervention) certification for positions that require it.
For building-based positions, cover the duties of an absent full-time Paraprofessional.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the teacher.