Special Education Paraprofessional

Position: Special Education Paraprofessional

Employed By: GECS

Reports to: Assigned Teacher/Respective Dean of Academics

Duty Year: School Year, Academic Year

Job Summary:

The Special Education Paraprofessional works under the direction of certified staff to support students with disabilities in accessing instruction, participating in school routines, and developing greater independence. This is a shared-support position and is not assigned exclusively as a one-to-one aide. Assignments may change throughout the day based on student needs, Individualized Education Programs, and direction from the special education team and school administration.

Description of Duties:

Student Learning and IEP Support

• Assist students individually, in small groups, or within general and special education classrooms under the direction of a certified teacher or special education provider.
• Implement instructional strategies, accommodations, modifications, behavior supports, and other services identified in students’ Individualized Education Programs as directed by certified staff.
• Reinforce skills in reading, writing, mathematics, communication, organization, social interaction, and daily living without replacing teacher-led instruction.
• Prepare instructional materials and support student participation in classroom activities, assessments, and school programs.
• Observe, collect, and accurately record academic, behavioral, functional, or service-related data as directed; promptly share relevant information with the supervising teacher or special education provider.
• Promote student independence by providing the least amount of assistance necessary and gradually reducing support when appropriate.

Transitions and Personal Care

• Support students during transitions between classrooms, arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, transportation, and other school activities to promote safety, participation, and independence.
• Provide respectful assistance with personal care and self-care needs when required by a student’s IEP or educational program and when assigned and trained. Assistance may include toileting, hygiene, dressing, adjusting or pulling clothing up or down, feeding, positioning, mobility, or use of adaptive equipment.
• Protect each student’s dignity, privacy, confidentiality, and personal boundaries during personal-care routines and follow all school procedures, health plans, safety protocols, and staff-training requirements.
• Immediately report changes in a student’s physical condition, emotional well-being, behavior, or personal-care needs to the appropriate certified staff member or administrator.
• Follow trained procedures for lifting, transfers, positioning, mobility assistance, and emergency response; request assistance whenever you cannot complete a task safely.

Student Safety and Behavior Support

• Maintain active supervision and respond promptly to student needs while following established safety, crisis-response, and emergency procedures.
• Use positive, proactive, and restorative approaches to reinforce expectations, support emotional regulation, and de-escalate challenging situations.
• Assist with behavior intervention plans and document relevant observations or incidents as directed.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, bullying, injury, or other safety concerns immediately in accordance with law and Academy policy.

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with special education teachers, general education teachers, related-service providers, administrators, families, and other staff while respecting professional roles and boundaries.
• Participate in planning, training, staff meetings, conferences, and professional learning as assigned.
• Maintain student confidentiality and comply with FERPA, Academy policies, and all applicable special education requirements.
• Communicate with parents or guardians only as directed by the supervising teacher or administrator; refer questions about progress, services, or the IEP to certified staff.
• Maintain dependable attendance, punctuality, professionalism, flexibility, and consistent follow-through.
• Perform other duties related to student support and the paraprofessional role as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Meet applicable federal, state, authorizer, and employer requirements for paraprofessional employment, including any required education, credential, or approved assessment.
• Experience working with children or adolescents; experience supporting students with disabilities is preferred.
• Ability to follow student IEPs, staff directions, safety procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with students, families, and staff.
• Successful completion of criminal background checks and other required clearances.
• Willingness to complete training in personal care, student mobility, behavior support, health and safety procedures, and other areas required for the assignment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and move throughout classrooms and school facilities.
• Assist students with mobility, positioning, transfers, personal care, and emergency procedures as required by the assignment and within the employee’s training.
• Occasionally lift or move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds; student-related lifting or transfers must follow the student’s plan, required training, and established team-assistance procedures.
• Work in settings with moderate noise and, at times, outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Respond safely and promptly to the physical, behavioral, and personal-care needs of students.

Qualifications:

• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours); or obtain an associate degree (or higher); or meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment.
• Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing and mathematics; or
• Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness, as appropriate
• Must have experience with students
• Criminal records clearance

Physical Demands & Work Environment

In order to successfully perform the essential duties of this job, the employee would ideally be able to meet the following physical demands:

• Occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Stand and walk frequently.
• Withstand all demands presented by outside weather conditions at any time of the year.
• Withstand a moderate noise level.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.