Substitute Paraeducator

POSITION: Substitute Paraeducator
LOCATION: District
REPORTS TO: Building Principal
COVERAGE PERIOD: 2026-2027 School Year

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Provide classroom and student support to assist with instructional activities, supervision, and student needs. The Substitute Paraprofessional works under the direction of the classroom teacher and/or building administrator to support a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general equivalency diploma.
• Meet one of the following three requirements:
• Completed at least two years (48 credits) of study at an institution of higher education; or
• Obtained an associate's degree or higher; or
• Met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate through a formal state or local academic assessment knowledge and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics, or reading, writing, and mathematics readiness.
• Successful completion of a Teacher Assistant Training Program or its equivalent approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), and other requirements as promulgated by RIDE.
• Ability and willingness to work directly with students, including providing physical assistance, lifting, transferring, and other student support as required by the assignment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, related service providers, and other school personnel concerning student progress and needs.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the responsibilities of the position as evidenced by educational and work-related experiences and the interview process.
• Bilingual skills preferred.
• Additional training may be required based on the needs of the assignment, including, but not limited to, positions involving students with autism spectrum disorders or other specialized needs.
• Any such alternatives to the above qualifications as the committee may deem acceptable and appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the classroom teacher and/or building administrator, the Substitute Special Education Paraprofessional:
• Assists the teacher in providing instructional support and reinforcing academic material and skills based on an understanding of individual students' needs, interests, and abilities.
• Supports students in accessing and participating in classroom instruction and activities.
• Assists with behavioral support and the implementation of classroom behavior management strategies as directed by the teacher.
• Assists with the implementation of accommodations, modifications, and other supports identified in students' IEPs, as directed by the teacher and appropriate staff.
• Assists students in using equipment, technology, instructional materials, and other resources as directed by the teacher.
• Provides appropriate supervision of students in the classroom and during emergency drills, assemblies, lunch, recess, field trips, transitions, and other school activities.
• Assists with personal care and health-related needs, which may include, but are not limited to, toileting, feeding, dressing, mobility, and other activities of daily living, as required by the assignment.
• Provides physical assistance to students, including lifting, transferring, positioning, and other support, as appropriate and in accordance with District procedures and training.
• Maintains a safe, orderly, and supportive environment for students.
• Communicates relevant observations regarding student progress, behavior, health, safety, or other concerns to the classroom teacher and/or appropriate administrator.
• Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality regarding student information as expected of all District staff.
• Assists the teacher with classroom organization, preparation of instructional materials, and other classroom-related tasks.
• Provides clerical assistance to the teacher, as appropriate.
• Follows oral and written directions and established school and classroom procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the classroom teacher and/or administrator.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The position may require walking, jumping, running, balancing, climbing, crawling, standing, turning, stooping, crouching, kneeling, sitting, reaching, lifting, carrying, throwing, pushing, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, color vision, depth perception, pulling, and grasping. The Substitute Special Education Paraprofessional must have the physical stamina and ability to safely support students, including lifting, transferring, and providing physical assistance as required by the assignment.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Per diem - $125/day

Please Note: Applying for a substitute position places you in the District’s applicant pool. Placement in the applicant pool does not guarantee employment, and not all applicants will be selected or contacted for further consideration.

Applicants are not to approach members of the Newport School Committee. Individual contact between applicants and School Committee members may constitute grounds for disqualifying an application.

Providing Students Opportunities and Access to the World Through Quality Education

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Newport School Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, color, disability or veteran status.

Salary : $125