Release Date: May 16, 2023 Application Deadline: May 30, 2023

Requisition: 9943

Current benefited staff of SMCPS who submit a timely application and meet the minimum qualifications for the position shall be granted an interview and shall be considered to fill the vacancy prior to external applicants being considered. Questions regarding your application and/or candidacy should be directed to the Department of Human Resources.

Position: Special Education Paraeducator - PSSE/Pre-Kindergarten

(ten-month assignment)

Location: Leonardtown Elementary School

Salary: The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees – Range 7 Paraeducator II ($23,342 - $35,316)

Effective: August 16, 2023

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Qualified applicants, including current employees of St. Mary's County Public Schools, must complete a TalentEd online application. In addition to the online application, any support documentation (copy of certification where applicable) must be scanned and uploaded to the TalentEd application. The online application and any support documentation must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications, including information about the applicant’s background, experience, and professional qualifications. Failure to submit all required documentation will result in your application being considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the selection committee for review. All online applications must be completed no later than May 30, 2023. Following a screening of credentials, interviews will be scheduled. Please contact the Department of Human Resources with questions (301-475-5511, ext. 32187).

NATURE OF WORK:

The Special Education Paraeducator works under the direction of the building administrator, classroom teacher(s) and other school/central office resource staff to provide services and supports to students with disabilities and to support the full implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) /Individual and Family Service Plan (IFSP).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist with the areas of adaptive skills that may include toileting, feeding, dressing, self-help and positioning in adaptive equipment/devices;
• Assist students with physical disabilities in positioning, movement and skills of daily living needs;
• Meet with the teacher on a regular basis to plan for and review instructional programs;
• Implement instructional/behavioral plans and protocols in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Program/Individual and Family Service Plan;
• Collect data on academic/behavioral programs as directed by the special education teacher and school-based/county-based administrators;
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all student information; and
• Effectively problem solve, collaborate and work semi-independently to support student programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Meet on a regular basis with teachers and/or other professionals to plan and/or review the day's activities and needs of the specific students;
• Provide instructional/behavioral/self-help assistance to students as necessary throughout the school day;
• Implement prescribed behavioral programs designed to assist the teacher and/or other professionals in managing student behaviors;
• Possess and maintain CPI certifications when assigned to regional programs (e.g., SAIL, LAP, PSSE, Autism);
• Collect and maintain instructional and behavior data collection systems with fidelity as instructed by special education teachers and central office resource staff;
• Develop new skills as required for assistance in the implementation of the IEP/IFSP;
• Provide assistance to students as necessary throughout the school day;
• Maintain appropriate safety standards while assisting students during arrival and departure times;
• Assist the teacher and/or other professionals in record keeping;
• Assist students with physical disabilities in positioning, movement and skills of daily living needs;
• Assist students with developmental needs in daily living skills (e.g., toileting feeding, etc.);
• Prepare, under the direction of the teacher, appropriate learning activities, stations, and materials;
• Keep required materials readily available for follow-up activities;
• Operate and maintain equipment specific to their assigned area;
• Assist in the establishment of rapport between parents, teacher and students;
• Attend workshops and in-service training sessions;
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all classroom and student information;
• Maintain appropriate safety standards while assisting students during arrival and departure times;
• Implement prescribed behavioral programs designed to assist the teacher and/other professionals in managing student behaviors;
• Operate and maintain equipment specific to their assigned area;
• Assist teachers in the preparation of classroom-based materials and supports;
• Implement instructional interventions with fidelity and based upon review of materials;
• Support students in special education and general education settings;
• Transition students to and from various classroom locations;
• Accompany and support students to special areas classes, related arts, lunch/recess, and fieldtrips; and
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by the principal.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Paraeducator I:

• Graduated from a standard high school or possession of a state high school equivalence certificate;
• College training and experience working with children is desired; and
• By the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, Pre-Kindergarten Paraeducators will be required to hold a Child Development Associate Program (CDA) License and have successfully completed all course and practicum work; and receive a passing score on the CDA exam. Funds and support will be provided for this coursework and credentials.

Paraeducator II: (All applicants applying for Title I Schools must meet Paraeducator II qualifications)

• Graduated from a standard high school or possession of a state high school equivalence certificate; and
• Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education; or
• Obtained an associate’s or higher degree; or
• Met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate through a formal state or local academic assessment the knowledge of and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics or the instruction in readiness for these subjects;
• College training and experience working with children is desired; and
• By the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, Pre-Kindergarten Paraeducators will be required to hold a Child Development Associate Program (CDA) License and have successfully completed all course and practicum work; and receive a passing score on the CDA exam. Funds and support will be provided for this coursework and credentials.

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:

Full-time ten-month position.

SALARY GRADE RANGE:

The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees – Range 7/Paraeducator II.

BARGAINING UNIT ELIGIBILITY: EASMC-ESP

Revised July 2022

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all applicants, re-advertise, and/or withdraw the positions.

The St. Mary’s County Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status or sexual orientation, religion, or disability in matters affecting employment or providing access to programs.