Ponca City Public Schools

Job Description

Special Education Paraprofessional

Para

Reports to:                Assigned Teacher, Building Principal, and Director of Special Services

Supervises:                 N/A

Qualifications:           48 Hours College Credit OR Passing Score on Paraprofessional Test

                                      High School Diploma or Equivalent

                                      Completion of Paraprofessional Training as Required by the OSDE

                                      CPI Certificate

                                      CPR and First Aid Certificate

Job Goal:                     Provides adult support to a small group of students or one-on-one with an individual student to assist the student in unique educational goals.

Employment Terms: 9 Month Contract, 6.75 Hours per Day, Exclusive of a Lunch

FLSA Classification: Nonexempt

Evaluation:                 Annually by Site Principal

Physical Demands:   This is an overview intended for compliance with the ADA – it is not an exhaustive list of the duties to be performed.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of a specific position.

Regular Requirements:  Stand for extended periods; walk; twist at the neck and trunk; bend and reach with hands and arms overhead, above shoulder and horizontally;  repetitive use of fingers and hands to grasp and/or operate equipment and demonstrate lessons to students; lift/move up to 50 pounds

Occasional Requirements:  Lift/move up to 100 pounds

Visual Requirements:  Close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, ability to adjust focus

Hearing/Speaking Requirements:  Adequate to exchange information

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Note - these duties vary based upon the individual student needs and individualized education plans.  Typical duties may include:

1. Monitors students on district provided transportation and assists students getting on or off busses and vans.
2. Accompanies students to the cafeteria for meals and assists students with getting and eating meals and cleaning up after meals.
3. Accompanies students to classes or therapy services, monitors behavior (intervening as needed), and assists with classwork.
4. Assists students with motor, balance, social and life skills.
5. Assists students with personal care, including dressing, toileting and diapering.
6. Monitors students during nap times.
7. Cleans and maintains an efficient work area.
8. Assists with instruction, errands and copies related to assigned student(s).
9. Attends IEP and other meetings and trainings as requested.                 
10. Alerts assigned teacher of concerns related to the student.
11. Maintains confidentiality of student information.
12. Complies with all federal, state and local laws, and board policies and procedures.
13. Utilizes professional behavior in all school-related interactions.
14. Assists teacher in monitoring students’ progress toward academic and behavioral IEP goals.
15. Reinforces learning in small groups or with an individual student, while the teacher works with other students.
16. Assists the teacher in observing, recording and charting behavior.
17. Assists the teacher with crisis problems and behavior management.
18. Provides one-on-one tutoring if it is scheduled at a time when a student would not otherwise receive instruction from a teacher.
19. Scores objective tests and papers and maintains appropriate records for teachers.
20. Carries out instructional programs designed by the teacher.
21. Works with the teacher to develop classroom schedules.
22. Operates and maintains classroom equipment.
23. Takes over a class for a short period of time.
24. Supervises children in the hallway, lunchroom, and playground.
25. Performs all other tasks as supervisor may assign.

Ponca City Public Schools

Duties of Special Education Assistants and Paraprofessionals

Implementation of IEP Provisions

Under the direction from the teacher, assistants and paraprofessionals will carry out the provisions of the Individual Education Plan for the students in the classroom.  Checklists containing goals and objectives will be kept on each child and the assistant or paraprofessional will write appropriate documentation in them as instructed by the teacher.  Assistants and paraprofessionals should always encourage independence by letting the student try to do as much as possible for himself/herself.

Classroom Management

Assistants and paraprofessionals will enforce classroom discipline procedures. They will be expected to assist the teacher and other staff as necessary in classroom activities.  If a student leaves a special education classroom to go to another classroom an assistant or paraprofessional may accompany the student and assist as needed in the other classroom.

Health and Safety Issues

To protect themselves and the students in a classroom paraprofessionals are expected to maintain good health and hygiene.  Gloves and sanitizing products will be provided and should be used appropriately.  All staff will work together to assure a health, safe learning environment for all students.  If a paraprofessional has a contagious condition which may adversely affect the students or staff in the room, they are encouraged to take a sick leave day.  For the protection of children with disabilities and district employees, two(2) employees must assist with diaper changing or other activities that require removing clothing.

Hours and Training

All assistants and paraprofessionals will work 6.5 hours unless otherwise specified.  Starting and ending times may be adjusted due to transportation schedules or special events. All paraprofessionals are required by the Oklahoma State Department of Education to receive six hours of personal development each year. Paraprofessionals should keep CPR certificates and First Aide certificates current.   Assistants may have the opportunities to receive training provided by the district.  Assistants and paraprofessionals can be paid for their hours of professional development taken outside their school day.

Ethical and Standards

Paraprofessionals, assistants, and teachers are placed in a position of authority over students.  Students are often vulnerable and have limited influence, relying on paraprofessionals, assistants, teachers and parents to protect their best interests.  Paraprofessionals are obligated to be as fully prepared as possible to function ethically, as well as legally, in the school environment.  The following ethical standards provide a framework for reflecting on appropriate behavior:

• Discuss a child’s progress, behaviors, limitations, and/or educational program only with the supervising teacher and only in the appropriate setting.
• Discuss school problems and confidential matters only with appropriate personnel, and only when students are not present.
• Address any of your concerns about the students to the supervising teacher or an administrator, not the parent.
• Refer concerns expressed by parents, students, or others to the teacher or your supervisor in the appropriate setting.
• Refrain from engaging in discriminatory practices based on a student’s handicap, race, sex, cultural background or religion. Respect the dignity, privacy, and individuality of all students, parents and staff members.
• Recognize that the supervisor has the ultimate responsibility for the instruction and behavior management of children and follow the directions prescribed by him/her.

Confidentiality

During the normal course of daily activities the paraprofessional or assistant comes in contact with a wide variety of information about the students.  Information may include test scores, behavior, attendance, family problems and many other kinds of personal information.  All school personnel, including paraprofessionals and assistants, are required by law to keep this information confidential.

Duties that may be performed by paraprofessionals or an assistant:

1. Assist teacher in monitoring students’ progress toward academic and behavioral IEP goals.
2. Reinforce learning in small groups or with an individual student, while the teacher works with other students.
3. Assist the teacher in observing, recording and charting behavior.
4. Assist the teacher with crisis problems and behavior management.
5. Provide one-on-one tutoring if it is scheduled at a time when a student would not otherwise receive instruction from a teacher.
6. Score objective tests and papers and maintain appropriate records for teachers. 
7. Perform clerical tasks, i.e., typing and duplicating.
8. Assist in preparation/production of instructional materials.
9. Carry out instructional programs designed by the teacher.
10. Work with the teacher to develop classroom schedules.
11. Operate and maintain classroom equipment.
12. Take over a class for a short period of time.
13. Supervise children in the hallway, lunchroom, and playground.

Paraprofessionals may be assigned to other duties as long as other general fund assistants are assigned similar duties.