Aides/Paraprofessional

POSITION TITLE: Aides/Paraprofessional

F.L.S.A. STATUS: Non-Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS: A minimum of 60 college hours. Bachelor's degree with Missouri teacher certification preferred. Possession of the knowledge, skills abilities and physical attributes necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate or acceptable.

REPORTS TO: Building Administrator and/or Director of Special Services

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Student attendance days plus one additional day at administration's discretion, at 7.5 hours per day, with benefits according to Board policy

JOB GOAL: Paraprofessionals serve to enhance the instructional program available in schools. They are employed to provide better learning opportunities for students in situations where large class sizes or a special need exists. The paraprofessional aids the teacher in providing instruction and also performs duties which free the teacher to work with those students needing more help. Many of the duties performed by the paraprofessional are similar to those performed by the teacher. However, the paraprofessional works under the direction of the teacher and director of special services, and only the teacher may evaluate and prescribe for the learning needs of the students. All plans for a lesson originate through the classroom teacher.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Tutor individuals or small groups.
  • Escort the class to other instructional areas.
  • Operate instructional equipment for the classroom.
  • Assist students with mobility needs. (May involve lifting, toileting, etc.)
  • Gather and produce instructional material for use in the classroom.
  • Assist with appropriate behavioral intervention techniques as directed by the supervising teacher.
  • Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding students and family's academic and social needs with regards to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
  • Assist the teacher in planning for daily lessons and activities.
  • Aid in the administering of tests relating to curriculum.
  • Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position.
  • Assist with the implementation and monitoring of IEPs under direction of the teacher.
  • Assist in the implementation of the curriculum and measure demonstrated competencies by students.
  • Collaborate with other staff members to meet holistic needs of assigned students.
  • Implement accommodations and modifications to curriculum as needed.
  • Keep a daily log of student academic/social progress.
  • Maintain a professional development log of hours completed.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Assist with field trips and class supervision.
  • Help with seat work or individual student work.
  • Assist with preparation of bulletin boards, learning centers, etc.
  • Arrange instructional materials for the classroom.
  • Attend meetings/training as requested.
  • May be assigned routine clerical duties such as filing, typing, etc.
  • May be assigned to a specific assignment such as study halls, cafeteria supervision, health room, playground supervision, in-school suspension, after school detention, etc.
  • Demonstrate professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior, speech, dress, and appropriate professional manner for the work setting.
  • Demonstrates effective human relations and communications skills.
  • Adheres to all district rules, regulations, and policies.
  • Adheres to good safety practices.
  • Work overtime as directed.
  • All other duties as required or assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: An individual who holds this position is frequently required to stoop, bend and kneel. May have to use therapeutic restraint. The employee will regularly lift students. The employee must have both close and distance vision.

CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT: The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active. Occasionally the individual will be required to work outdoors for short periods of time to perform such tasks as loading and unloading students from district transportation and supervising recess.