Special Education Aide

Framingham Public Schools • Framingham, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Aide for the Inclusion Program at Walsh Middle School will assist students with disabilities under the direction of a certified teacher, primarily in an inclusionary setting. This role involves supporting the teacher in daily classroom activities, aiding students with their needs, and ensuring their physical, emotional health, and safety. The position aims to affirm student abilities, promote dignity, and uphold Framingham Public Schools' commitment to high achievement, equal access to instruction, academic proficiency for all, and closing the opportunity gap. A $1,500 stipend is available for paraprofessionals working in Autism classrooms, multi-disabilities classrooms, or supporting students with toileting needs on a changing team.

Requirements

• Associate (or higher) degree, or at least two years of post-secondary education that is equivalent to at least 48 credit hours from an accredited higher education institution (otherwise must pass the Parapro Test).
• Background, teaching, or service that has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of education.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to present information clearly and respond effectively to questions from students, staff, parents, and community members.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional literature, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Sound reasoning and problem-solving skills to evaluate information, define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and recommend appropriate courses of action.
• Capacity to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and ongoing professional learning to inform instructional and practice decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the community.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects.
• Commitment to performing all duties in compliance with district requirements, state and federal laws, and Framingham Public Schools policies.
• Demonstrated cultural proficiency and competence in working with students and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and student records.
• Professionalism and composure in responding to unpredictable or challenging situations.
• Proficiency in using technology and willingness to learn new tools; ability to operate a computer and utilize software, including Google Workspace for Education.
• Willingness to plan, coordinate, and participate in ongoing professional learning, coaching, and staff development.
• Experience in evaluating student skills, interpreting assessment data, and writing clear, concise reports.
• Strong collaborative, instructional, coaching, and leadership skills to support student programming.
• Ability to use data effectively to inform instructional decisions and improve student outcomes.
• Knowledge of specialized content areas, relevant laws, and educational procedures.
• Ability to plan and implement lessons that align with district and school goals.
• Proficiency in integrating instructional technology to enhance teaching and learning.
• A proactive, reflective, and solution-focused approach to supporting student growth and success.
• Must be required to move about and traverse throughout the school building.
• Must often remain in a stationary position for considerable periods of time.
• It is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, and sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Is expected to lift at least 20 lbs (i.e., books, school supplies, etc.).
• Must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and use hand strength to grasp tools.
• Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties.
• Must operate a computer and other office productivity machinery (i.e., a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer).
• Must be able to input information into a computer and read material from a computer monitor as well as handwritten or printed matter with or without visual aids.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with students, parents, and other staff members in person, via email, and on the telephone.
• In the classroom, one must be able to see and hear continuously to ensure student safety and to speak frequently to provide instruction.
• May be required to move quickly across even or uneven surfaces.
• Must interact with students, parents, and other staff members and meet multiple demands.
• While most of the workday is spent inside, students must spend time outdoors for recess, fire drills, and special activities.
• May be exposed to bodily fluids, disease, or pathogens.
• May receive injuries from aggressive students.
• May require some degree of physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling behavior.
• May provide limited personal care to students.
• Must occasionally lift or position students to provide services.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and/or push a wheelchair for extended periods and provide assistance and personal care to students.
• May be asked to assist with toileting, depending on a student's needs.

Nice To Haves

• Some experience working with children, especially students with disabilities in the areas of Autism, Developmental Delays, Multiple Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, and Emotional Disabilities, is preferred.
• Additional specialized training in child development, education, or a related field is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the instruction and supervision of students, supporting them academically, socially, and behaviorally in inclusion, small group, or individual settings under the direction of a classroom teacher, special education teacher, service provider, or administrator.
• Assist with behavior support and the implementation of behavior support plans.
• Support students with special needs by following provisions specified in their Individual Education Program (IEP).
• Assist students with test-taking in administering standardized and non-standardized tests/curriculum-based measures, and other assessments.
• Provide support that may include physical management such as crisis management, taking action, or assisting educators, the school crisis team, and/or administrators in restraining students who are at risk of harming themselves or others by following school/district-approved restraint procedures to ensure the safety of students and others (training provided).
• Attend training and maintain certification in de-escalation and physical management techniques.
• Collect data for individual students and report concerns and/or progress information for each student.
• Escort and supervise students to and from various school facilities and areas.
• Work collaboratively with special education, general education, teachers, and related service staff.
• Assist in establishing a positive learning environment and respond to the individual needs of students.
• Assist students with everyday tasks such as eating, mobility, communication, dressing, and toileting, including diapering.
• Promote independence for students with disabilities.
• Safeguard confidential information to ensure compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Perform other general duties as indicated by the teacher, principal, supervisors/directors, directives of the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee, and policies of the Framingham School Committee.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A $1,500 stipend is available to any paraprofessional who works in an Autism classroom, multi-disabilities classroom, or is on a changing team for a student with toileting needs.
• Amazing benefits (more information available via link).

What This Job Offers

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