Special Education Paraeducator

Release Date: June 4, 2026    Application Deadline:  June 18, 2026

Requisition: 12205

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

Location: Esperanza Middle School

Salary: The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees – Range 9. ($27,999-$42,351)

Effective: August 2026

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 supporting documentation (unofficial transcript and/or copy of the 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 June 18, 2026. 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 and other school/central office resource staff to provide services and support to students with disabilities and to support the full implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) /Individual and Family Service Plan (IFSP).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to professionally relate to and collaborate with co-workers, students, and community members
• Ability to understand and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to use technology effectively to complete tasks
• Ability to report to work daily and on time
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions
• Ability to work under pressure
• Possess knowledge of the programs, policies, and procedures of the St. Mary’s County Public School System
• Possess effective organizational skills
• Possess effective written and oral communication skills

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists students with developmental needs with adaptive and daily living skills, which may include movement, toileting, feeding, dressing, self-help, and positioning in adaptive equipment/devices
• Meets with the teacher on a regular basis to plan for and review instructional programs
• Implements instructional/behavioral plans and protocols in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Program/Individual and Family Service Plan
• Collects data on academic/behavioral programs as directed by the special education teacher and school-based/county-based administrators
• Provides instructional/behavioral/self-help assistance to students as necessary throughout the school day
• Possesses and maintains CPI certifications when assigned to regional programs (COMPASS, TIDES, SAIL, LAP, PSSE, and Infants & Toddlers)
• Maintains appropriate safety standards while assisting students during arrival and departure times
• Assists the teacher and/or other professionals in record keeping
• Keeps required materials readily available for follow-up activities
• Operates and maintains equipment specific to their assigned area
• Assists teachers with preparation of classroom-based materials, appropriate learning activities and supports
• Accompanies and supports students to special areas classes, related arts, lunch/recess, and field trips
• Performs other related and non-related job duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Forty-eight (48) semester college credits OR a passing score on one of the following Paraprofessional Assessments (documents must be uploaded in application):
• ParaPro – prior to August 2026
• ParaPathways -5757
• Foundations of Classroom Support – 517
• Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction - 519

• For Pre-K paraeducators: must have an associate degree OR CDA licensure by July 1, 2027, OR 5 years of publicly funded Pre-K experience prior to July 1, 2024 

Preferred:

• Related college classes or training
• Experience working with children 

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 9.

BARGAINING UNIT ELIGIBILITY: EASMC-ESP

Updated 07.2024, 5.2025, 2.2026, 04.2026

Salary : $27,999 - $42,351