What are the responsibilities and job description for the BCHS Special Education Paraprofessional position at Bourbon County High School?
INSTRUCTIONAL PARAPROFESSIONAL - EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION - SCHOOL
QUALIFICATIONS: Instructional Aides must have graduated from high school or hold a GED. Must have the ability to learn the operation of equipment, technology.
REPORTS TO: School Principal and / or Director of Special Education and Teachers
SUPERVISES: Not Applicable
JOB GOAL: Assist certified teachers in implementing instructional practices, transitional activities, maintaining a safe and supportive instructional environment, and communicating and collaborating with teachers and other professionals to ensure special education students obtain quality instruction.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Implement strategies and procedures developed by teachers to maintain safe, supportive,
and inclusive learning environments.
- Implement strategies that promote the student's independence across all relevant
educational settings.
- Based on program and student needs, assist teachers and related service professionals in
carrying out tube feeding, catheterization, toileting, diapering (including lifting),
administering medication, feeding, positioning and other health related procedures
required by students who have special health care needs, and maintain appropriate
records of these activities.
- Keep student data current and report concerns to teacher when they arise.
- Under the guidance and supervision of a teacher, effectively implement learning
strategies, prompting procedures, and other systematic instructional procedures in
school and non-school settings using a variety of instructional grouping arrangements.
- Implement teacher-developed plans or strategies that enhance the fluency, maintenance,
and generalization of academic skills.
- Based on program and student needs, assist teachers with community-based instruction.
- Use grammatically correct language which includes age-appropriate vocabulary, first
person language, appropriate tone of voice, and reinforcement procedures.
- Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional classroom materials;
setting up student work areas; and operating office equipment, video, computer, adaptive
devices, and other materials. Maintain classroom records, maintain attendance records,
answer the phone.
- Assist teachers in monitoring student progress regarding academic/cognitive
development, social development, and behavior.
- Assist teachers and other professionals in maintaining student records required by federal
and state law and regulations and Bourbon County Public Schools' Policies and
Procedures.
- Implement teacher-developed behavior plans and techniques that adhere to the laws,
regulations, and procedural safeguards (safe crisis management) concerning the
management of student behaviors. Includes lifting up to 50 pounds and/or restraining
students if necessary. Record data and monitor progress on behavior goals as directed by
teacher.
- Monitor and assist students in non-academic learning environments (i.e., lunchrooms,
study halls, playgrounds, and buses).
- Direct group activities of students as assigned, assist in lunchroom duties as assigned,
assist in emergency drills, rec-leisure activities, assemblies, community participation as
assigned.
- Assist in overseeing students while in regular class, labs or other activities, providing
them with the necessary materials needed to participate.
- Follow teacher instructions and implement team decisions.
- Contribute relevant, objective information to teachers and other school professionals to
facilitate planning, problem solving, and decision-making processes across all relevant
settings.
- Maintain confidentiality of individual students and their families, as well as all student
educational records.
- Perform assigned responsibilities under the supervision of the teachers in a professional
and ethical manner established by the district, agency, state, or professional organization.
- Read, understand and assist in implementing, recording and monitoring assigned
students IEPs.
- Assist students to and from activities, loading, unloading and/or riding the bus and assist
in preparation as required.
- Assist students by providing proper examples (positive attitude, caring attitude, good
rapport with other staff members), emotional support, a friendly attitude and general
guidance.
- Provide support to the teacher and student by creating an environment that is conducive
to learning. If instruction is being hindered because a student's behavior is distracting,
implement guidelines given by the teacher. (Take student for a walk, take student to the
bathroom, remind student how they are to behave).
- Conference with the teacher/case manager concerning programs and materials to meet
student's needs. Also, discuss with the teacher concerns that need to be shared with the
parent. It is the teacher's responsibility to communicate academic/behavioral/instructional
concerns with the parents.
- May require annual training and re-certification in safe crisis management.
- Maintain regular attendance. Report your absence to the teacher and in the absence
reporting system as specified by the district.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor, which might include principal, program director, teacher or Superintendent.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary and work day to be determined by the Board.
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.
Revised May 2024