CPI-Certified Special Education Paraprofessionals

Our partner school provides students with a vibrant learning experience in a welcoming environment, and our teachers rely on paraprofessionals to bring their best to the classroom every day. We’re searching for a qualified paraprofessional to join us in delivering the high-quality learning we’re known for. The ideal candidate has experience in this role and is flexible in adapting to the changing demands of a classroom. This person will work closely with an assigned student and provide support by working with students individually, assisting with behavior plans and materials, and documenting issues or concerns. To thrive in this role, the paraprofessional must be caring, compassionate, and committed to each student’s success.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as a positive, nurturing guide for students
• Model the school’s professional and ethical standards when interacting with students, parents, staff, and community members
• Supervise students in both instructional and assessment activities, in and out of the classroom
• Participate in planning and training sessions with the Special Education team, communicating with parents and school officials when necessary
• Attend to students’ physical, personal, academic, and emotional needs, aiding with language translation and hygiene when necessary; life skills
• Organize classroom and teaching materials, and verify and track student attendance
• Perform clerical duties such as typing, filing, and photocopying; grade tests and homework; track student progress
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, parents, and staff

Minimum Requirements:

• At least two years experience working with children with social/emotional and behavioral disabilities
• De-escalation of students when they are in a heightened state of anger/aggression/task refusal
• Remain with their student when they elope from the classroom or the building and utilize de-escalation techniques to allow for their return to the educational setting
• Provide high levels of behavioral support within the classroom by monitoring student behaviors, consistent reinforcement of positive behaviors, and correction of behaviors of concern
• Provide and monitor frequent student breaks throughout the instructional day to ensure students' time in the educational environment is optimized
• Knowledge of the curriculum, and special education program.
• Thorough knowledge of the Individualized Education Program (IEP), assessment, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), and State and federal policies and procedures related to special education.
• The ability to work well with students with disabilities, teachers, administrators, and parents of students with disabilities.
• Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check Clearance
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
• FBI Criminal Background Clearance
• TB Test and Pre-employment Physical

Required skills and qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Experience working with students both academically and in personal care
• Effective communication skills with adults and children
• Understanding of basic principles of childhood development
• Familiarity with educational software and willingness to learn new systems
• Certification in first aid and CPR
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification (required)

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Associate’s degree (or equivalent) in early childhood development or education
• Experience with special-needs students