Paraprofessionals for the Plano Area Special Education Cooperative (PASEC)

Paraprofessionals for the Plano Area Special Education Cooperative (PASEC)

Full-time paraprofessionals (7.5 hours/day) would serve Plano, schools.  Individual will function as program or classroom instructional assistant, but may be assigned as a one-on-one (1:1) instructional assistant.  These are full time positions that include benefits.

Must meet all requirements in accordance with PERA and the implementation of PA 097-0067 Paraprofessional approval from Illinois State Board of Education.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Must meet all requirements in accordance with the PERA and the implementation of PA 097-0067 Paraprofessional approval from Illinois State Board of Education required.

COMPENSATION:  Range between $15.75-$18.75 depending on background and experience.

REPORTS TO:  Classroom teacher, Building Principal, and/or Special Education Administrative Staff
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the responsibilities and functions specified herein.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assume responsibility for continued professional growth to fully support educational programming.
• Support and act in accordance with all PASEC Governing Board goals, objectives and policies, The School Code of Illinois, and other federal and state laws.
• Assume appropriate roles as adult model and educator.
• Demonstrate knowledge of students’ needs, including but not limited to: educational, medical, physical, sensory, speech/language, social/emotional, recreational, vocational, etc., as established by a multidisciplinary team and implement as needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all matters pertaining to students and personnel.
• Demonstrate effective organizational skills, time management, and flexibility in order to meet staff and students’ needs.
• Function as program or classroom instructional assistant but may be assigned as a one-one one (1:1) instructional assistant.   
• Attends work on a regular basis, arrives to school on time; prepared to assist in the classroom.
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the program coordinator, and/or classroom teacher.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
A.  Planning and Preparation

• Checks and maintains appropriate student related equipment after receiving training by the appropriate related service staff personnel.
• Assist in the preparation of instructional materials (Copy, order, arrange, or gather materials as directed) including visual aids and classroom displays.
• Observe and record data as directed by the educational team.

B.    Classroom Environment

• Escort, supervise, and assists student to various settings throughout the building including, but not limited to: cafeteria, recess, and general education/special classrooms including arrival and dismissal times.
• Assist students in restrooms (supervise washroom breaks, changing diapers, changing briefs, clothing, or personal hygiene) as needed.
• Facilitate appropriate social interactions amongst students by prompting, modeling, and reinforcing appropriate social behaviors in small group or classroom settings.
• Assist in the follow through of planned behavior plans/interventions and provide reinforcement
• Assists students with personal care functions which include but are not limited to personal hygiene (changing, using the restroom), assisting with prescribed range of motion exercises, ambulation, positioning, feeding, etc.
• Lifting – employee may be expected to assist in student transfers/lifting up to 40 pounds.Those in excess of 40 pounds will require a 2 person lift.
• Implement special systems/programs following training to assist student with specific diagnoses.

C.  Instruction

• Assist teacher with maintaining inclusive, learner-centered environments.
• Provides academic support to students as directed by the educational team.
• Assist student with life-skills based curriculum in school or community.
• Help students implement and self-manage organization skills.
• Help facilitate inclusion of students into general education settings.
• Assist and monitor students in using assistive technology devices

D.  Professional Responsibilities

• Establish a positive rapport with staff, students, and families
• Consult or meet with teachers or other professionals utilizing appropriate channels by engaging in positive solution finding steps to resolve areas of concern and request direction, instruction, or guidance for new or unfamiliar tasks.
• Provide and communicate information in a timely manner about students or equipment.
• Refers questions from families to appropriate channels
• Model appropriate hygiene, appearance, interaction, and actions
• Provide accurate information about students to team members, discussion confidential school issues only with appropriate personnel.
• Be flexible, willing to listen, experiment, and make changes when needed

For more information, please contact Plano Area Special Education Cooperative Director Amy Lee at alee@pasec.net.

Check out the PASEC web page at https://www.plano88.org/o/pasec