Description
Job Title: Special Education Paraprofessional
Credentials:
Tier 1 (Title 1) Paraprofessional Requirements (at least one of the following):
Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education (at least 48 hours of college coursework).
Obtained an associate’s degree (or higher).
Taken and passed the WorkKeys test, ParaPro test, or the Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET).
Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate or a willingness to complete the Tier 2 (Special Education) Paraprofessional Requirements and obtain the Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate within 120 days of your employment start date. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination.
Tier 2 (Special Education) Paraprofessional Requirements (all must be completed to obtain and maintain the certificate):
Complete the Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Training at a Career Tech Center, State-approved LEA training, or training modules in PEPPER.
Complete and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
Complete training in Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens.
Complete an additional 6 hours of professional development in Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens each school year after initial certification.
Education:
High School Diploma or GED. College hours are helpful in meeting Tier 1 Paraprofessional Requirements.
Training/Experience Required:
Meets Tier 1 Paraprofessional Requirements. Previous work or volunteer experience with children, teenagers, and/or clerical experience preferred.
Reports to: Building Principal
Contract: 175 days
Salary Schedule: Teacher’s Assistant
FLSA Classification: Non-exempt
Essential Job Functions:
Assist with instruction and activities for individuals or groups as assigned by the teacher.
Supervise students in instructional settings, off-campus activities, and during non-instructional activities such as recess, assemblies, emergency drills, lunch periods, etc.
Supervise students in the teacher’s absence.
Prepare, create, or adapt instructional materials as directed by the teacher. Prepare bulletin boards and other teaching aids.
Assist students with assignments and provide setup and operation of equipment for instructional purposes.
Serve as the main point of contact for substitute teachers.
Assist teachers with student behavior management strategies and respond appropriately to students when necessary.
Alert the teacher to special needs of students.
May assist students with external feedings (e.g., feeding tubes) or with personal care (e.g., toiletry needs, catheterization, diaper changes).
Assist students with boarding and exiting transportation or supervise students prior to or after exiting transportation on school grounds.
Perform housekeeping duties within the classroom to ensure it remains neat and clean. Tasks may include washing dishes, disinfecting toys and tables, and defrosting freezers.
Prepare snacks for students as required.
May ride the afternoon bus route to supervise student behavior on the bus.
Operate photocopiers, laminators, duplicators, and computers as needed. Assist teachers with obtaining supplies for scheduled activities.
Assist teachers with compiling and sending home students’ work, including weekly letters to parents as required.
Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Good customer service and interpersonal skills to handle problems and provide information and assistance as needed.
Ability to comply with safety guidelines and policies to ensure safety and reduce accidents or injury to staff and students.
Adhere to school dress standards, proper attendance/leave policies, and work habits.
Creativity, initiative, and effective problem-solving skills are essential to success in this role.
Ability to exercise discretion, ingenuity, and independent judgment in completing tasks, given the complexity of the job.