] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → PARAEDUCATOR LEVEL III, SPECIAL EDUCATION - EFFECTIVE 07.01.25 - PLEASE REQUEST CURRENT JOB DESCRIPTION FROM OHRD

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Paraeducator Level III, Special Education - Effective 07.01.25 - Please request current job description from OHRD

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Paraeducator Level III, Special Education CODE: 6553 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Paraeducator Level III, Special Education - Effective 07.01.25 - Please request current job description from OHRD GRADE: 17-18 MONTHS: 10
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION; PHYSICAL DEMANDS; AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: At the direction of the principal, this paraeducator performs a variety of tasks that promote student learning and well-being to support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP). The paraeducator may be required to assist students with various needs related to academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support. Successful student support will include attending to student personal care and medical needs and may require work with students that display physical and/or verbal aggression. The paraeducator at this level may be required to participate with students in learning activities off of school grounds. The paraeducator work at this level is focused on facilitating the student mastery of grade-level curriculum or mastery of Alternate Academic Achievement Standards. The students supported at this level typically participate in specialized instructional settings throughout the school day. This position also performs a variety of instructional and classroom management supports, as well as related clerical tasks to support teachers and other professional staff in all classrooms or learning environments. All new paraeducators are hired at a grade 17 and have the opportunity to promote to a grade 18 after successfully completing the six-month probationary period and successfully completing the required number of training hours. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) Frequent bending, walking, kneeling, running, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 50 pounds may be required. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Outside duty may be required. Must be able to accommodate flexible scheduling and change of location and/or program, as needed. Continues planned instructional activities during teacher's temporary absence from the classroom. Specialized training (provided by MCPS) in alignment with the assignment special education services required within 6 months of starting in the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies and practices applicable to assignment, and instructional goals and policies of Montgomery County Public Schools. Ability to assist with implementation of the instructional program and to participate in monitoring and ensuring appropriate student behavior. Ability to exhibit patient behavior and to work effectively with children, young adults, and staff members. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and to perform all required tasks. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to read/write/speak English. Ability to interact with and support students with special needs. Knowledge of standard computer hardware and software such as Google Workspace, MS Office and web-based instructional tools. Knowledge of and the ability to quickly learn and meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE; CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: These requirements are in order of preference.1.Associate’s degree, required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. College course work should include a minimum of nine credit-hours related to education field such as behavior management, instructional strategies. One year of experience working with students in structured educational (or academic) situations preferred. If no related education course work, then two to four years of experience working with children and adolescents in a structured setting such as a daycare, pre-school, etc. required.OR2. At least 48 college credits and two years of experience in an in a structured setting such as a daycare, pre-school, adult day program, after-school program, extended day, or school/non-school based departments, etc.OR3.Two years of experience in a structured setting such as a daycare, pre-school, adult day program, after-school program, extended day, or school/non-school based departments, etc. Successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 or higher is required.OR4. Any combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: Yes

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by this job classification. This is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements and does not limit the assignment of additional related duties for the position. Not all duties assigned are included, nor are all duties listed performed in every school/office or every day.)Assists the teacher in planning for and carrying out the instructional plan and classroom activities.Assists individual and groups of students to reinforce learning initiated by a teacher in various subject areas and activities.Keeps the teacher informed of student progress and individual student needs.Works with the teacher to provide instructional and/or developmental activities including reinforcement of classroom lessons and learning experiences for students requiring individual or close attention.Assists in administering and scoring tests and assessments.Provides information to assist the teacher in evaluation of the learning process and behavior management programs.Monitors student engagement in independent work or group activities promoting student engagement and participation.Engages in daily and extended planning with teachers.Helps to maintain order and a positive classroom environment.In collaboration with the teacher, implements consistent reinforcement of appropriate student behaviors, as well as de-escalation and surface management strategies to address the behaviors of students experiencing difficulties including crisis management.Supports the teacher in implementing and data collections for student IEP’s.Supports the teacher is implementing and data collection for student Behavior Intervention Plans.Assists the teacher in supporting and managing student emotional regulation and responses.Assists the teacher in managing crisis situations ensuring that student safety is the priority.Supports the use of assistive technology to support student communication and learning.Assists students who struggle with executive functioning tasks such as organization, time management, planning and prioritizing and task initiation.Regularly provides routine care, including personal hygiene, toileting, feeding and other custodial tasks.Regularly performs medical tasks as authorized by the Maryland Nurse Practice Act.Physically assists students to engage in activities such as walking and eating.May be required to administer medications and/or treatments including G-Tube feeding or clean intermittent/non-complex bladder catheterization [COMAR 13A.05.05.08 (D)].Supervises students between classrooms, during lunch period and recess, during playground activities providing physical and instructional assistance as needed.Assists with teaching basic skills and job training as required and requested.Ensures safe and proper use of mobility aids and assistive devices.Assists in student arrival and departure routines and assists in the loading and unloading of buses.Supervises and monitors students in off-site vocational training and community travel, as assigned.Monitors student behaviors and interactions on the bus during educational off-site experiences.Ensures that instructional and care spaces in the classroom are clean and organized.May be required to follow students who leave the assigned location to ensure student safety.Supports the safe and effective use of technology in the classroom.Performs clerical and non-instructional duties such as daily attendance, inventory and distribution of books and supplies, maintenance of files and records, and reproduction of materials.Prepares instructional materials and classroom displays as requested by the teacher.Assists students with research and large projects.Maintains confidentiality of student records and information.Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

This description may be changed at any time.