SPED Paraprofessional

Oklahoma City Public Schools•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

The Special Education Paraprofessional supports the instructional program in an assigned classroom, working with individual students and small groups, and providing clerical support to teachers and staff. The role helps students practice learning concepts and work toward academic goals and grade-level standards, while supporting classroom objectives and maintaining a safe, positive learning environment. The position also involves classroom preparation and upkeep, recordkeeping, monitoring students in different settings, and communicating student progress, observations, and incidents to appropriate staff. The paraprofessional may assist students with diapering, feeding, and other personal-care needs. If a health crisis or disruptive situation requires school or office buildings to close, an alternative work site may be necessary; eligibility and expectations are determined and communicated by the superintendent and supervisor.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet one Tier 1 qualification: complete at least 48 college credit hours; pass the OGET; pass the ETS Parapro Assessment with a score of 455; or pass the WorkKeys Assessment with a score of 4 or better on all three parts.
For the Special Education Tier 2 requirements, complete OSDE special education paraprofessional training through Pepper, career technology centers, or other state-approved training providers.
Maintain current CPR/First Aid certification.
Complete annual Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens training.
Complete six hours of professional development each year.
Ability to operate standard office equipment and basic computer software applications.
Ability to perform basic math, read manuals, write documents in prescribed formats, present information, and understand complex multi-step written and oral instructions.
Knowledge of child development stages, learning styles, and age-appropriate activities.
Ability to schedule activities, gather data, and prioritize.
Ability to work with diverse individuals and varied data, and to use job-related equipment.
Strong problem-solving skills, including identifying issues and creating action plans.
Ability to adapt, maintain confidentiality, work as part of a team, and work with constant interruptions.
Ability to communicate with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials to support classroom goals and objectives.
Administer classroom assignments in support of the instructional process.
Assist individual students and small groups with lesson assignments and practice of learning concepts.
Communicate with teachers to assist with evaluating student progress and implementing classroom objectives.
Maintain classroom equipment, work areas, and manual and electronic files and records.
Monitor individual students and groups in settings such as classrooms, playgrounds, and field trips to provide a safe and positive learning environment.
Perform clerical tasks such as laminating, making posters and copies, preparing bulletin boards and newsletters, and filing.
Report observations and incidents relating to students to appropriate instructional or administrative personnel.
Prepare and maintain accurate records.
May assist students with changing diapers, sanitary napkins, and clothing; feeding; and personal care such as wiping noses or drool, hand washing, and body care.
Perform other duties as assigned.