Special Education Paraprofessional

Dickinson Independent School District•Dickinson, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Assist the special education teacher in providing for the instructional, physical, behavioral, and emotional needs of students with disabilities Assist in the implementation of self-help, hygiene, behavior management, prosocial skills, instructional programs, small group practice, and data collection Attend professional development relevant to the assignment Work under the general supervision of the principal and under the immediate direction of the certified teacher assigned

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Must have completed at least 30 college hours; or Obtained an associate’s (or higher) degree; or Meet formal academic assessment as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) as demonstrated through a formal State or local academic assessment
Valid Texas educational aide certificate
Participate in and successfully complete/maintain crisis intervention/restraint training
Participate in and successfully complete training for FERPA, HIPAA & TBSI
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions with good interpersonal skills
Ability to work well with students and staff
Experience working with children

Nice To Haves

Experience working with students with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual, developmental, emotional, behavioral, or physical disabilities (preferred)

Responsibilities

Assist &/or supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside of the classroom in various educational environments (e.g. classroom, bus line, cafeteria, gym, restroom, playground). This can include assigned duty stations throughout the campus.
Assist teachers and follow teacher instructions in the preparation and management of instructional materials, learning stations, data collection, student schedules, and related student supports
Work with individual students or small groups to develop academic, behavioral, personal care, and/or motor skills
Conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher, including modifying work appropriately and collecting data
Assist substitute teachers by relaying the specific daily student and classroom information
Recognize differences in student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly and keep teachers (including substitute teachers) informed of special needs or concerns of the assigned student(s)
Assist teachers by utilizing tools to promote positive student outcomes using visual strategies for instruction, preventative positive behavioral supports, assistive technology, and communication systems/strategies
Help meet and manage the behavior of assigned student(s) using positive behavior supports and collecting data as determined by the teacher
Use de-escalation techniques to intervene in crisis situations and Crisis Prevention and Intervention training required to assist with managing a student who is in danger of hurting himself or others
Help meet and manage the physical needs of the student(s) such as transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting and positioning, and assisting with other physical needs
Help meet and manage the personal care needs of the student(s) such as feeding, toileting, needs which may include changing diapers, feminine hygiene care, and personal hygiene
Review assigned student(s) ARD documents specifically the IEP goals and objectives, accommodations, testing requirements, and behavior intervention plans. Other documents (e.g. the FIE) may be applicable.
Maintain required paperwork as part of this position such as daily clock-ins, a daily schedule, email communications/information, student record keeping such as logs, trackers, trials, or other forms of documentation associated with the students and your responsibilities
Maintain an effective working relationship with colleagues and work as a team member to meet the needs of students
Treat all students, parents, and staff with professional courtesy and respect
Maintain FERPA and HIPAA confidentiality regarding students’ educational needs and records
Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned
Perform other duties as assigned