Para Educator - Associate - Special Education - PK-3 JobID: 344 + Position Type: Support Staff/ Special Education Assistant + Date Posted: 9/23/2024 + Location: Carlisle Elementary    JOB DESCRIPTION: PARA EDUCATOR Position Purpose Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development. Essential Job Functions - Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills. - Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs. - Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments. - Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs. - Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance. - Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task. - Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas. - Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision. - Constructs, copies and distribute and use educational materials as needed. - Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education. - Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement if IEP objectives, etc. - Participates in IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed. - Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities. - Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs. Additional Duties: - Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed. - Perform any other related duties as assigned. Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. Equipment - Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers. Travel Requirements - Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. - Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students. - Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel). - Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals. - Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others. - Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs. - Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work. - Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required. - Effective writing and verbal communication skills. Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards - Works in standard office and school building environments. - Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities. Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position. Qualifications Profile - Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to: - High School diploma or equivalent. - Successful completion of college level coursework or passing of examination as required by the No Child Left Behind Act. - Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.