Special Ed Para Instructional Support-EASE

Norwich Public Schools • Norwich, CT

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education EASE program is for students with intellectual disabilities who also require additional support. This role assists the classroom teacher in the education of students, including management of student behavior; recordkeeping; instructional assistance; classroom safety; organization; and interaction and communication with students.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree; or Two years of college (60 credits); or Passing Parapro Exam prior to employment
• Ability to effectively communicate with parents, co-workers and students
• Demonstrated understanding of the unique needs and characteristics of all students particularly those who are differently abled (i.e. Specific Learning Disability, Other Health Impaired, Emotional Disability)
• Knowledge of principles of classroom and behavior management
• Knowledge of principles of child development stages and developmental delays
• Ability to exercise flexibility, common sense and good judgment
• Skill in following oral and written directions
• Ability to identify, prevent and deescalate negative behaviors
• Skill in assisting students in progressing on Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals
• Must be punctual and reliable
• reaching, some lifting, standing, walking, carrying, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, sitting, and/or crawling.
• Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment
• Must be able to assist in the lifting/carrying of students in excess of 50 pounds

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with children is preferred

Responsibilities

• Work with individual and small groups of students to reinforce material introduced by the teacher, and foster skills while encouraging independence
• Accompany students when trips out of the classroom are necessary
• Establish supportive relationships with students while maintaining the role as an authority figure
• Alert the teacher and/or administrator to any problem, special information or situations
• Assist with large and small group activities
• Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and student confidentiality
• Aid the teacher in conducting lessons that require preparation of visual aids, operations of audio-visual equipment, and other equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes
• Assist the teacher in implementing behavior/social skills programs
• Remain student focused, maintaining a caring, safe, developmentally appropriate environment
• Assist the teacher by supporting the development and construction of new materials as needed
• Punctual and consistent in meeting daily time schedules
• Receptive to new ideas and suggestions
• Assist the teacher in conducting routine clerical duties
• Demonstrate knowledge of all transportation procedures, including early and late dismissals and busing
• De-escalation and physical management training required (will be provided) - performing physical restraints may be needed in this position
• Perform other related duties as may be assigned
• Punctuality and regular attendance required

Benefits

• Salary and work year to be determined by the contract between the Norwich Board of Education and the Municipal Employees Union "Independent"

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree