] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → PARAEDUCATOR, MONTESSORI

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Paraeducator, Montessori

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Paraeducator 10 mo CODE: 6600 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Paraeducator, Montessori GRADE: 12-13 MONTHS: 10
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: At the direction of the coordinator, assists teachers by performing a variety of tasks that promote student learning and well-being. Ensures that the learning environment is maintained properly and ready for students. Works with students individually and in small groups assessing performance, reinforcing instruction. Performs a variety of instructional and classroom management support, as well as clerical tasks and other non-instructional work to support teachers.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge and understanding of child growth and development; knowledge of instructional procedures and practices applicable to assignment; knowledge of the instructional goals and policies of Montgomery County Public Schools. Considerable patience and ability to instruct and work with children. Ability to assist in counseling students and managing student behavior. Ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, parents, and children and provide a broad range of instructional assistance to teachers and others. Ability to work independently under general supervision. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and to perform all required tasks. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: High School or GED diploma required. Associates degree preferred. Completed 30 college credits from an accredited institution or successful completion of the Praxis Series: ParaPro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 is required if no Associates degree. Preference given to the candidate with a college degree with nine credit-hours related to education field such as human development, early intervention, Montessori education, and experience working with students in Montessori situations. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience equivalent to an Associates degree, which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) Frequent bending, walking, running, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 50 pounds may be required. Additional demands may require moving wheelchairs, assisting with toileting, feeding and other daily living activities. Assist with self-care plans such as toileting, feeding, personal hygiene, dressing and other daily living activities; physically assist students to engage in activities such as walking or eating, able to kneel and work on the floor with students, able to walk for long periods. Assistance with physically aggressive behaviors required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) None
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: Yes

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

In collaboration with the teacher, ensures that learning materials are in good order and ready for student use each day.
Assists individual and small groups of children in various subject areas and motor activities, e.g., Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Cultural Studies.

Monitors students engaged in independent work or similar activities.

Alerts teacher to individual student needs and suggests programming, and prepares individual student activity plan under direction of teacher as required.

Works with individual and small groups of children in need of additional assistance.

Provides information to assist the teacher in evaluation of the learning process, behavior management programs, individual student needs, and progress and recommends appropriate action.

Engages in daily and long-term planning of activities with teachers.

Keeps teacher informed of student progress and learning needs.

Continues planned instructional activities during teacher's temporary absence from the classroom.

Helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students, including crisis intervention.

Helps students locate materials; assists in the direction of games, group singing, physical exercises, and similar activities.

Supervises students between classrooms, during lunch period and recess, and during playground activities; eats lunch with students and provides physical and instructional assistance as needed.

Assists in the supervision of students while being transported on buses in the loading and unloading of buses and/or cars.

May perform clerical and non-instructional duties such as keeping daily attendance counts, distribution of lunch tickets, collection of money, recording of grades, distribution of books and supplies, maintenance of files and records, typing reports and routine correspondence, and reproduction of instructional materials; however, such duties comprise a clear minority of the work hours.

Performs related duties as assigned.
Class Established: 7/02
Date(s) Revised: 7/2012, 7/14, 1/2017
Last Reviewed: 6/2012

This description may be changed at any time.