Substitute Paraprofessional - ES

South Fayette Township School District•McDonald, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Substitute Classroom Paraeducator assists students with disabilities in developing self-sufficiency, communication, interpersonal, mobility, behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and functional skills. The role supports students’ daily living activities, comfort, well-being, and independence, and helps them participate successfully in the least restrictive educational environment. Maintaining student safety is a critical responsibility. The paraeducator works with regular and special education teachers and supports assigned students throughout the school day and across school and district settings. Duties include delivering assigned learning activities, implementing strategies and instruction specified in students’ IEPs, supporting medical needs and following medical crisis plans, assisting with functional activities, monitoring progress, and helping document and communicate student progress. Assignments are as needed during the 2026–2027 school year to cover absences. Assignments may change based on student needs, building populations, or training.

Requirements

Current certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Experience working with children with disabilities.
Ability to work cooperatively with many individuals.
Ability to communicate effectively with adults and children.
Dependable and mature demeanor.
Excellent writing skills and ability to take notes.
Ability to learn characteristics, interventions, and strategies related to varying disabilities and atypical syndromes.
Strong commitment to the school district’s goals, mission, and philosophy.
Enthusiasm and desire to make a difference in students’ lives.
Experience using behavior strategies with children or youth.
Ability to work as a team player with teachers and building administration.
Ability to shift focus quickly and manage changing tasks and transitions effectively.

Nice To Haves

Two-year or four-year degree, preferably in education.

Responsibilities

Support students’ academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and functional skills.
Facilitate and model appropriate social interaction throughout the school day.
Supervise students and manage behavior using techniques such as redirection, modeling, reinforcement, shaping, and hand-over-hand assistance.
Deliver independent learning activities in academic and special-area settings as assigned.
Accompany students around the school and district community, including on field trips and at special functions.
Provide redirection, organization, coping strategies, and other specially designed instruction specified in students’ IEPs.
Support assigned students’ medical needs and follow medical crisis plans as necessary.
Assist students with daily functional activities, including organizing belongings, managing clothing and supplies, handling lunch routines, and personal care prompts.
Help maintain home-school communication when appropriate, in coordination with classroom teachers or administration.
Monitor progress on IEP goals and assist teachers with reporting data on IEP goals, objectives, and positive behavior support plans.
Communicate with special education teachers about students’ progress across settings.
Participate in parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings when requested.
Administer first aid and CPR and maintain current certification.
Complete daily, weekly, or monthly online Medical Assistance forms for assigned students.
Participate in professional development and acquire the PDE Credential of Paraeducator Competency during the first two years of employment if needed based on degree status.
Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and other departments or programs; adapt to changing tasks and situations.
Perform other job-related responsibilities as designated by special education teachers, regular education teachers, building principals, or the Director of Pupil Personnel.