Special Education Paraeducator

Norwich Public Schools•Norwich, CT

About The Position

To assist 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, two years of college (60 credits) or pass on Parapro Exam prior to employment
Demonstrate aptitude or competence for assigned responsibilities
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
Punctuality and regular attendance required
De-Escalation and physical management training required (may be provided) - physical restraint may be needed in this position
Performing the job duties of this position requires the following physical demands: 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
Support 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
De-Escalation and physical management training required (may be provided) - physical restraint may be needed in this position
Perform other related duties as may be assigned