Special Education Para-Educator - Birth to 3/3-5

Walla Walla Public Schools•Walla Walla, WA

About The Position

This position assists certificated staff with instructional support tasks related to students’ educational development in school and home environments, while serving as a positive role model. The Para-Educator supports students with IEPs in academic, behavioral, social, and functional skill development; carries out instructional programs under staff direction; and monitors student progress in classroom, home, and other school activities. The role also includes assisting families under the direction of a Speech Language Pathologist, supporting staff with records and teaching materials, and communicating positively with students, families, staff, and the public. The position reports to the building administrator and receives direction and guidance from designated staff, including classroom teachers and a Speech Language Pathologist. Hours per day and days per week vary, and the district may revise the assignment and job location as needed. The employee may experience changes in work schedule or work site according to district needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
An associate degree, 72 college-level credits, or the ability to pass the Federal Para-Educator test.
Experience working with students in an educational setting and/or evidence of an interest in supporting learning experiences.
Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents, including by phone and email.
Desire to be a positive role model and interact positively with students.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the public.
Ability to work a flexible schedule.
Knowledge or awareness of one’s own cultural identity and how it influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and district patrons.
Must complete fingerprinting and a background check to determine there have been no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor.
Must complete Walla Walla Public Schools Risk Management and Bloodborne Pathogens Training upon hire.
Required to attend training for de-escalation procedures.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish.
A CPR/First Aid card may be required depending on job assignment.

Responsibilities

Provide instructional support for students with IEPs in reading, writing, math, and social and behavioral skills.
Provide support and structure to students who need behavioral and social skills support.
Assist students in developing functional skills that promote independence.
Implement and reinforce social skills training programs.
Assist certificated staff with record-keeping, developing materials, and preparing teaching aids.
Learn instructional techniques under the direction of a teacher and/or Speech Language Pathologist and independently carry out programs they develop.
Collaborate with certified staff and assist in assessing students.
Monitor and assist student progress in the classroom, home, and other school activities.
Promote positive public relations when communicating with the public.
Provide instruction to families under the direction of a Speech Language Pathologist.
Perform routine classroom and building clerical tasks as needed.
May serve on district committees and/or departmental work teams.
Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.