Special Education Pre-School Paraprofessional

Academy School District 20•Colorado Springs, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports a special education teacher in implementing the preschool curriculum and fostering a positive and safe learning environment for both special education and typically developing preschool students. The paraprofessional assists licensed special education teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and other evaluative staff in implementing student goals. This role involves day-to-day activities under the teacher's supervision, without making diagnostic or long-term educational decisions. The position is based at Ranch Creek Elementary School but may require relocation to another school based on changing student needs during the school year. The district reserves the right to modify duties.

Requirements

Ability to adapt to changing technologies and to learn functionality of new equipment and systems
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Ability to create, access, input, retrieve, and manipulate information in various software systems
Ability to establish and maintain accurate record keeping, document management, and filing systems
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from many diverse backgrounds and professions including supervisors, administrators, coworkers, staff, students, parents, and the general public
Ability to follow oral and written instructions
Ability to greet and interact with the public in a courteous and professional manner
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to manage simultaneous demands and set clear priorities
Ability to work days, hours, locations, and assignments as directed by the supervisor within the position responsibilities
Ability to work independently without direct supervision
Commitment to the education of students as a primary responsibility
Communicates effectively with students and adults in a wide variety of settings
Computer proficiency including office productivity applications
Considerable knowledge of policies, procedures, and overall district functions
Demonstrated ability to manage simultaneous demands and set clear priorities
Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a team setting
Demonstrates citizenship, compassion, courage, discernment, excellence, honesty, hope, integrity, patience, perseverance, reliability, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness
Demonstrates effective organizational and time management skills
Detail-oriented
Energetic, creative, innovative, flexible
Excellent cooperative, collaborative, and problem-solving skills
Knowledge of office methods and procedures
Knowledge of Special Education, other educational programming, and associated legal requirements as related to the needs of the students assigned to the teacher
Promotes a positive climate, culture, and community
Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, listening, and verbal communication skills
Student-centered and relationship-focused
Understanding of data privacy laws and their implications for the educational community
Willing to attend CO-TOP opportunities and other professional learning related to job
Willing to attend OT-PT training
Willing to receive on-the-job training specific to student needs (i.e., vision, hearing, motor, Braille, etc.)
Willing to be trained to carry out delegated nursing practices
Willingness to participate in ongoing training as required
Fingerprinting and background checks are required for all positions.

Nice To Haves

This position addresses current student needs at the specified school. If the current program/school should experience a change in student needs, the individual filling this position may be required to change locations to another school where needs are demonstrated. This could occur at any time during the school year.

Responsibilities

Reports consistently for work as scheduled
Performs other duties as assigned
Attains proficient or higher evaluations on established Performance Standards
Obtains and maintains certifications necessary to support students with special needs
Performs tasks for student(s) such as meal preparation, feeding, and lunch clean-up, which involves implementing communication, oral motor, sensory integration, and physical IEP goals
Carries out instructional programs and lessons in various learning environments as designated in the lesson plan
Under supervision of a teacher, works with small groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher
Assists the student(s) with medical tasks such as: dispensing medication, tube feeding, catheterization, toileting, diapering, suctioning, and may require exposure to blood, vomit, and infectious disease control
Cleans/disinfects regurgitation, blood, and urine
Works with confidential special education student information
Maneuvers and secures wheelchairs
Provides initial first aid/emergency care
Accompanies the student(s) assigned with physical tasks such as putting on and taking off of outerwear, moving from room to room, using the lavatory, and so on
Carries out programming using physical therapy support equipment
Sanitizes equipment/materials
Monitors behavior contracts and reward systems for students
Trained and able to perform behavioral management through Nonviolent Crisis Intervention techniques when appropriate
Assists with non-standardized testing of students
Develops and implements games and teaching aids
Tutors students in various subject areas
Assists students in preparation, production, and maintenance of materials and equipment as assigned
Coordinates completion of assignments and/or job tasks with classroom teachers and/or employers
Works with students in one-to-one/group situations
Assists students in finding materials and books in library
Conducts story time for students
Monitors students during recess, hall duty, passing periods and/or loading of buses
Supervises students in the use of various programs on the computer
Assists the student(s) in recitation, reading, and other curriculum tasks
Accompanies and assists the student(s) while in the classroom setting
Attends meetings and conferences as required
Attends pre-job training, ongoing training, and meetings as required during the school year in order to remain up-to-date of job procedures
Serves as a resource person to the student personnel evaluation team concerning an assigned student as needed
Works with teachers to integrate assisted technology into classrooms
Maintains student files updating information as appropriate
Maintains, orders, and organizes inventory of materials and equipment for effective operation of program
Collects data for assessment and monitoring purposes
Completes daily paperwork (i.e., attendance reports, detention slips, student referral slips, various student passes, physical therapy charts, etc.)
Performs miscellaneous clerical duties and assists other staff members
Laminates all material as needed
Prepares bulletin boards for parents and programs