] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → PARAEDUCATOR, SPECIAL PROGRAMS

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Paraeducator, Special Programs

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Paraeducator, Spec Pgrms CODE: 6602 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Paraeducator, Special Programs GRADE: 12-13 MONTHS: 10
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: At the direction of the principal, assists teachers by performing a variety of tasks that promote student learning and well-being. Works individually and in small groups to reinforce instruction, monitor performance, and support learning. 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
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 desktop computer hardware and software such as MS Office products and database software. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: These requirements are in order of preference. 1. AA 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, and one year experience working with students in structured educational (or academic) situations preferred. Or: If no related education course work, then two to four years¿ experience working with children and adolescents required. I.e. working in a structured setting such as a daycare, pre-school, etc. required. 2. Or at least 48 college credits and two years of experience in an education related field including preschool, adult day program, after school program, extended day, or school/non-school based departments, etc. 3. Or two years of experience in an education related field including nursery school, adult day program, after school program, extended day, or school/non-school based departments, etc., and successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 or higher is required. I.e. Opportunity for current supporting services employees 4. 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
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.) Outside duty may be required. Must be able to accommodate flexible scheduling and change of location and/or program, as needed. May require training to accommodate students' special needs. Continues planned instructional activities during teacher's temporary absence from the classroom. May be required, after training on the administration of medications, and/or treatments including G-tube feedings or clean, intermittent/non-complex bladder catheterization. [COMAR 13A.05.05.08 (D)]
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: Yes

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 office or every day.)

1. Works with the teacher to provide instructional and/or developmental activities for students.

2. Assists individual and groups of children to reinforce learning initiated by a teacher in various subject areas and motor activities; e.g., reading, telling stories, spelling, games, art, writing, music, physical education, mathematics, social/communication, community, recreation/leisure, and physical activities.

3. Assists teachers with content-area instruction for small groups or with individual students.

4. In collaboration with the classroom teacher, implements consistent reinforcement of appropriate student behaviors, as well as surface management strategies to address the behaviors of students experiencing difficulties.

5. Provides specified prompts for student engagement and participation during large group activities.

6. Provides support to all students in academic and non-academic classes.

7. Assists in administering alternative tests and assessments.

8. Performs medical tasks as authorized by the Maryland Nurse Practice Act.

9. Implements student Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) or learning contracts, token economy/reinforcement systems, etc. across all settings to manage inappropriate student behaviors, including aggression and self-injury using proactive and responsive strategies.

10. Monitors students engaged in independent work or similar activities while the teacher is otherwise occupied.

11. Provides special help to students with short attention spans through interesting activities.

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

13. Supports the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

14. Reviews and reinforces classroom lessons and learning experiences with students requiring individual or close attention.

15. Assists teachers planning for and conducting classroom activities.

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

17. Engages in daily and extended planning of activities with teachers.

18. Keeps teacher informed of student progress and learning needs.

19. May assist the teacher in classes presenting basic skills in off-site job training programs.

20. Assists teacher in carrying out classroom activities; prepares instructional materials requiring knowledge of the instructional subject matter.

21. Sets up and operates equipment; uses assistive technology to support student learning and communication and other equipment.

22. Assists in administering tests and examinations; corrects and scores objective tests requiring subject matter knowledge.

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

24. Assists students with research.

25. Assists with teaching classes of basic skills and may monitor a computer, writing, or other technology laboratory under general supervision.

26. 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.

27. Assists in the supervision of students while being transported on buses in the loading and unloading of buses.

28. May perform clerical and non-instructional duties such as keeping daily attendance counts, collection of money, 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.

29. Prepares a variety of instructional materials, as requested by the teacher.

30. Assists with routine care, including personal hygiene, toileting, feeding and other custodial tasks, as required or requested.

31. Ensures proper maintenance and care of computer lab equipment.

32. Assists in arrival and departure routines of assigned students.

33. Maintains confidentiality as it relates to student records, IEPs, student files, health information, etc.

34. Ensures students¿ wheelchairs; seat-belts or other safety restraints are properly secured.

35. Observes students¿ behaviors and interactions on the bus during educational off-site experiences and uses the riding time to reinforce classroom learning.

36. Responds to parent inquiries and concerns by referring parents to the appropriate professional.

37. Performs related duties as assigned.
Class Established: 7/02
Date(s) Revised: 2/08, 1/12, 7/14, 11/14, 1/2017
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.