Paraprofessional

KIPP•Baltimore, MD

About The Position

The Paraprofessional supports student learning and helps create a positive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment. Working closely with classroom teachers and school leadership, the role provides instructional and behavioral support, assists with classroom activities, and helps ensure students have the resources and guidance they need to succeed. The Paraprofessional reinforces lessons, supports individual and small-group instruction, and promotes positive student behavior in support of KIPP Baltimore’s mission. The position provides direct student support during whole-group, small-group, and one-to-one instruction; implements student IEP and 504 plan strategies and accommodations; supports students’ personal needs when specified; and tracks student progress. The Paraprofessional also contributes to IEP and 504 planning and collaborates with providers and teachers to inform student interventions.

Requirements

High school graduation or a high school equivalency certificate.
At least 48 college credits from an accredited college or university, or successful completion of the MSDE Para Pro Assessment.
One year of experience working with children.
Understanding of what motivates student learning.
Understanding of the curriculum in the assigned classroom.
Knowledge and competency in business English, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and arithmetic.
Patience and composure when working with children, including children with special needs.
Ability to handle matters professionally and confidentially.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to make decisions in accordance with City Schools policies, procedures, and general practice.
Ability to work effectively with staff and children.
Clear and concise oral and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain clerical and student records.
Ability to perform routine and non-routine instructional tasks.
Passion for the mission of KIPP Baltimore.

Responsibilities

Engage students during instructional time in whole-group, small-group, and one-to-one instruction using materials and guidance from teachers.
Implement interventions and behavior strategies outlined in students’ IEPs or 504 plans.
Support student personal needs, including hygiene or medical needs, and assistive technology or augmentative devices when specified in the IEP or 504 plan.
Assist students with assignment completion and reinforce classroom instruction to improve academic outcomes.
Support implementation of accommodations during classroom, district, and state assessments.
Implement teacher-directed accommodations, scaffolds, and curriculum modifications to ensure access to grade-level content.
Manage student behavior and use de-escalation strategies as needed.
Track data weekly to monitor student growth and use it in collaborative reflections with providers to inform adjustments to interventions.
Maintain logs in SSM and contribute to Para Justification completion in preparation for IEP and 504 plans.
Participate in IEP and 504 meetings and provide meaningful input regarding student performance.