What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Paraeducator - Preschool Summer - Internal Applicants Only Temp/Hourly position at Various Sites?
Release Date: May 19. 2026 Application Deadline: June 2, 2026
Requisition: 12125
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 - Preschool Summer - Internal Applicants Only
Location: Various
Salary: Current SMCPS paraeducators shall be paid their hourly rate of pay
Current SMCPS employees who are not paraeducators - $15.00 per hour or $15.50/degreed
Effective: July 1, 2026, 12 days between July 1 and July 31. Hours- 8:30 am-1:00 pm
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 2, 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:
All summer school positions are temporary. The Summer School Paraeducator must be able to work collaboratively with staff to provide developmentally appropriate activities for children and families. Paraeducators may be asked to assist families and staff with instructional activities, materials, projects, and organization.
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 effective organizational skills
- Possess effective written and oral communication skills
- Possess knowledge of the programs, policies, and procedures of the St. Mary’s County Public School System
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
The duties and responsibilities may differ depending on the program and/or school location assigned.
- Meet regularly with the teacher at a designated time for planning and evaluating student's progress
- Assist in developing learning activities with the teacher
- Assist in guiding students in working and playing with others
- Prepare, under the direction of the teacher, appropriate learning activities, and materials
- Reinforce learning activities with appropriate materials
- Assist teacher in maintaining neat work and study areas
- Assist in activities planned for and with parents
- Attend staff meetings and in-service training sessions
- Maintain confidentiality of student records and protected information
- 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
- 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
- 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
- By July 1, 2027, all Pre-K/Preschool Paraeducators must have:
- Associate's degree in early childhood or a related field OR
- A Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate OR
- Have worked for five years in a publicly funded Pre-K before June 30, 2024, with effective evaluations
Preferred:
- Related college classes or training
- Experience working with children
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: This is a temporary/hourly position summer assignment, not to exceed September 1 of each fiscal year. There is no guarantee of continuation in this position from one fiscal year to the next.
SALARY: Current SMCPS paraeducators shall be paid their hourly rate of pay
Current SMCPS employees who are not paraeducators - $15.00 per hour or $15.50/degreed
BARGAINING UNIT ELIGIBILITY: Not eligible.
Updated 03.22.2023, 04.23.2026