DEFINITION:  A paraeducator is a person hired to assist a certified teacher in the instruction of exceptional students.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:  High school diploma or GED (minimum)

 

REPORTS TO:  Special Education Teacher / Regular Education Teacher / Building Administrator / TLEC Administrator

 

EVALUATOR:  Special Education Teacher / Building Administrators / TLEC Administrator

 

JOB GOAL:  To perform the responsibilities and duties of a paraeducator for TLEC, in an efficient and accurate manner.

 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

  1. Perform with direction of licensed staff in a manner consistent with requirements of law, rules and regulations, local district policies and procedures, and TLEC policies and procedures.
  2. Attend TLEC and district inservices as requested.
  3. Complete required inservice hours as designated by Kansas State Department of Education..
  4. Attend staff meetings as requested.
  5. Maintain excellent attendance.
  6. Work to implement the vision and mission of TLEC and the school district.
  7. May be required to transport students
  8. May be required to maintain current driving requirements (CDL, defensive driving, Medic First Aid) to transport students by bus, van, or car.
  9. Comply with requirements including confidentiality for educational and medical records. (Strictly adhere to confidentiality requirements regarding all matters pertaining to students, parents, parent communication, and/or classroom activities.)  Note: All parent communication must come directly from certified personnel.
  10. Interact with students in a respectful manner that reflects knowledge of similarities and differences associated with disabilities and diversity.
  11. Provide documentation of observations using basic data collection techniques as needed.
  12. Establish and maintain positive rapport with learners, teachers and administration.
  13. With guidance from professional staff, use developmentally and age-appropriate strategies, equipment, materials, and assistive technologies, as directed, to accomplish instructional objectives.
  14. Assist in maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment.
  15. Use strategies and techniques for facilitating the inclusion of students.
  16. Use strategies which promote the learner’s independence.
  17. Implement effective research-based strategies for the management of behaviors in accordance with a student's Positive Behavior Support Plan.
  18. Use appropriate strategies and techniques to increase students’ self-esteem, self-awareness, self-control, self-reliance, and self-advocacy.
  19. Work with individual students or small groups on specific language or motor development as outlined by the speech pathologist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist and keep appropriate records of the student’s progress in attaining the goals specified in the IEP 
  20. Use appropriate strategies and techniques in a variety of settings to assist in the development of social skills.
  21. Serve as a positive role model.
  22. Immediately report accidents, assaults, destruction of property, and abusive behavior to the Teacher, Principal, and TLEC Office.
  23. Implement and follow all district health and safety policies 
  24. Participate in IEP meetings upon Teacher request.
  25. Provide work related instruction to students in the school setting or community-based setting 
  26. Assist with supervision of students during the teacher’s temporary absence.
  27. Other duties as assigned by the special education teacher, building administrators, and/or Special Education Directors in reference to his/her responsibilities.
  28. Demonstrate flexibility regarding scheduling, working conditions, and locations.
  29. Follow district and TLEC policy regarding technology and social media.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

 

  1. May require physical exertion to physically manipulate students or equipment.
  2. May require assisting with the personal care needs (toileting, dressing, feeding, and other self-care activities) and assistive devices of students with special needs.
  3. May require sitting, standing, walking, running, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, and turning.
  4. May require active participation with students at gym class, recess, or during classroom activities.
  5. May require some travel and student transportation – bus, van, car.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to occasionally work in noisy and crowded environments with numerous interruptions.
  7. Assist students to learn work related skills in the school setting and community-based settings.