25-26 Paraprofessional - Valor Academy Middle School

Job Title: Paraprofessional

Reports To: Principal

Who We Are:

Bright Star Schools is a free, publicly funded and open enrollment non-profit organization with seven public charters in urban Los Angeles. Across all of our Bright Star sites, over 90% of our students are eligible for free and reduced lunch.

Our mission is to provide holistic, inclusive support for all students to achieve academic excellence and grow their unique talents so that they find joy in higher education, career, and life. Bright Star students will become leaders who act with integrity and champion equity to enrich our communities and the world. The framework to our success is our core operating principles, which are Integridad, Ubuntu, Kohyang (고향), and Growth.

Our educators join a family that is passionate and committed to developing all students to become well-rounded citizens. We offer small class sizes, comprehensive teacher support, and numerous collaboration opportunities across the organization and within school sites. We strongly believe in teacher voice, and we work to increase teaching practice and effectiveness through our data-driven and feedback-derived professional development.

Bright Star Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status.

What You’ll Do:

include the following, as well as other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned.

• Supporting students with disabilities (SWDs) across various settings
• Provide targeted instructional support to students with IEPs in both push-in and pull-out settings, in collaboration with the Inclusion Specialist Teacher(s) and/or Special Day Class Teacher(s)
• Maintain open lines of communication with ISTs, Special Day Class Teachers, general education teachers, and staff to ensure the individual needs of all students are met
• Provide input to case managers and teachers to inform IEP development, based on observed student progress and needs.
• Regularly meet with ISTs and/or Special Day Class Teachers
• Implement instructional strategies, accommodations, and modifications aligned with students’ IEPs in collaboration with teachers.
• Accurately document all service minutes and session details into Welligent by 5pm Friday, ensuring compliance with IEP service requirements and timelines.
• Track and monitor student progress toward IEP goals through observational notes, informal assessments, and data collection tools.
• Support students in developing academic, executive functioning, social-emotional, and behavioral skills.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) as directed by case managers and behavior specialists.
• Respond appropriately to behavioral needs using de-escalation techniques in alignment with Safety-Care or other crisis prevention training.
• Build and maintain positive relationships among students and staff
• Assisting teachers in establishing and maintaining a safe, welcome, and accessible learning environment.
• Attend and participate in required training, professional development, and team meetings.
• Provide student supervision during transitions, lunch/recess, arrival/dismissal, or other non-instructional times, as assigned.
• Providing coverage support as needed
• If bilingual, serving as a translator in IEP meetings as needed
• Assisting in maintaining student records and files
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and services in alignment with FERPA and IDEA
• Performs related duties as assigned

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree, education related field preferred
• A valid and current Substitute Credential with CTC, highly preferred
• Substitute credentials must be pursued in the 1st year of employment
• CBEST must be completed to be eligible to apply to CTC
• CPR & First Aid Certification, training provided
• Ability to lead, direct, and instruct students of all ages
• Strong English verbal and written communication skills
• Flexibility and critical-thinking skills
• Bilingual in Spanish is desired but not required

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must be punctual and maintain professionalism at all times
• Must be proactive, independent, organized, and detail-oriented
• Must be creative, enthusiastic, self-motivated, and dependent
• Must possess effective communication skills in oral and written form
• Must possess interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective relationships
• Must possess problem solving skills to help de-escalate student conflicts
• Must present a neat, professional appearance
• Must be able to adjust tasks and focus with composure, and in accordance with changing deadlines and priorities.

LOCATION: North Hills, Los Angeles, CA

Please note:

Effective, January 1, 2025: Under Education Code section 44939.5, you must provide a complete list of all prior employment with any school district, county office of education, charter school, or state special school, including part-time and substitute roles. You can provide your complete prior employment history within the work experience section of the application. Failure to disclose this information may be considered dishonesty in the hiring process or during employment.