Districtwide Special Education Paraeducator serving Garrett Morgan Elementary School 1.0 FTE

Fayette County Public Schools•Lexington, KY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Paraeducator assists certified teachers in implementing instructional practices and transitional activities, maintaining a safe and supportive instructional environment, and collaborating with teachers and other professionals to support quality instruction for students receiving special education services. The role serves students across relevant educational settings and works under teacher supervision. Duties may include implementing instructional and behavior plans, supporting students’ independence and progress, assisting with personal care and health procedures, maintaining records, and helping students participate in academic and non-academic activities. The position is classified and hourly, with a 183-day work calendar. The stated assignment is districtwide, serving Garrett Morgan Elementary School, at 1.0 FTE. Salary calculations are based on verified education and related experience; the job posting refers candidates to a salary schedule and estimator without providing specific figures.

Requirements

At least 48 college credit hours, successful completion of the Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment, or completion of an associate degree.
Experience working with youth in an organized setting.
Some instructional experience in a classroom environment working with children and parents with special needs and from multicultural and multi-ethnic backgrounds.
Knowledge of basic school subjects, safe classroom and playground practices, interpersonal skills, and basic record-keeping techniques.
Ability to learn child-guidance principles and practices; communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff, and the public; perform routine classroom clerical duties; print and write legibly; perform basic arithmetic accurately; follow oral and written directions; learn the procedures and limitations of assigned duties; communicate orally and in writing; learn and explain school and program policies; cooperate with others; monitor, observe, and report student behavior according to approved procedures; and operate instructional and office equipment.
Ability to stand, sit, walk, communicate using speech, vision, and hearing, use hands for grasping and fine manipulation, and bend, squat, crawl, climb, reach, and run; ability to lift, carry, push, or pull weights up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Implement teacher-developed strategies and procedures to maintain safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments and promote student independence.
Assist teachers and related-service professionals with student health procedures as needed, including tube feeding, catheterization, toileting, diapering, medication administration, feeding, and positioning; maintain appropriate records.
Keep student data current and report concerns to the teacher.
Implement learning strategies, prompting procedures, systematic instruction, and plans to develop academic fluency, maintenance, and generalization under teacher guidance.
Assist with community-based instruction as needed.
Use age-appropriate language, appropriate tone, and reinforcement procedures when communicating with students.
Prepare instructional materials and student work areas; operate office, video, computer, adaptive, and other instructional equipment; perform clerical tasks, maintain classroom and attendance records, and answer phones.
Assist teachers in monitoring academic, cognitive, social, and behavioral progress, and in maintaining student records required by law, regulations, and district policies.
Implement teacher-developed behavior plans consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and procedural safeguards; record data and monitor behavior-goal progress as directed. This may include lifting or restraining students when necessary.
Monitor and assist students in non-academic settings, including lunchrooms, study halls, playgrounds, and buses; support group activities, emergency drills, recreation, assemblies, and community participation as assigned.
Assist students in regular classes, labs, and other activities, including providing materials needed for participation and helping students travel to and from activities and board, exit, or ride the bus.
Follow teacher instructions and team decisions; contribute relevant, objective information to teachers and other professionals to support planning and problem-solving.
Maintain confidentiality of students, families, and educational records, and perform assigned duties professionally and ethically under teacher supervision.
Participate in professional-development activities for paraprofessionals with administrators, consultants, or other professionals.
Assist with administering diagnostic and other tests and recording test information; read, understand, implement, record, and monitor assigned students’ IEPs.
Provide positive examples, emotional support, guidance, and a learning-conducive environment; follow teacher guidance when student behavior interferes with instruction.
Confer with the teacher or case manager about programs, materials, student needs, and concerns to be shared with parents; the teacher is responsible for communicating academic, behavioral, and instructional concerns to parents.
Promote student health and safety by following applicable practices and regulations, including PBIS and de-escalation techniques; complete annual safe-crisis-management training and recertification if required.
Demonstrate ability or willingness to learn to communicate in more than one language at novice proficiency.
Maintain regular attendance and perform other duties as assigned.