26-27 Elementary Para-Professional

Job Title:         Paraprofessional

Reports to:      Principal and teacher(s)                         

Primary Purpose:

Help meet physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

(Tier 1 – General Education Setting – Title I)

• High School Diploma, General Educational Development Diploma (GED), or other certificate of high school equivalency recognized by the State of Oklahoma; and
• Meets one of the following:
• Has completed at least forty-eight (48) credit hours of college coursework at an institution of higher education,
• Has obtained an Associate degree or higher; or,
• Has passed either the Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET), obtained a National Career Readiness Certificate through completion of the ACT WorkKeys assessment, or passed the ParaPro Assessment.

(Tier 2 – Special Education)

• Meet the Criteria for a Tier 1;
• Complete the Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Training or equivalent state-approved training;
• Trained in cardiovascular pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid;
• Completed Training in Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to work with children with disabilities.

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Knowledge of general office equipment.

Experience:

Some experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Support

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.

Student Management

• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting; positioning; or assisting students with personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed.
• Recognize differences in each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students.

Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.

Motion: Frequent walking and reaching.

Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment.

Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases).

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required