Paraprofessional

Job GoalTo assist teachers with providing a well-organized, smoothly functioning class environment in which all students can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resource materials.SupervisionWorks under the direct supervision of certified school personnel and the general supervision of the Building Principal and/or the Director of Pupil ServicesRequired: Certification of one of the formal Massachuesetts-Endorsed Assessments such as ParaPro or WorkKeys; orAssociates Degree or at least two years of post-secondary education that is equivalent to 48 credit hours from an accredited higher education institutionPrior experience working with children at the appropriate level for the position. Competency in use of current related educational technology.Performance Responsibilities: - Assists with the implementation of the general educational accommodations and special education instruction as stated on the IEP or 504 Plan. - Paraprofessionals in Pre-School and Severe Special Needs Programs may assist with self-care and independent skills when deemed appropriate and assigned by a SPED liaison. - Paraprofessionals in grades K 12 may assist with self-care and independent skills by escorting students to private areas where certified nursing personnel will provide the required support to the student.

• Works independently with small groups of students to reinforce concepts and skills initially introduced by the teachers or specialists. - Provides escort and assistance to students as necessary. - Serves as a resource person, if and when requested, to the special education evaluation team conferring about one of the students to whom he/she is assigned, while adhering to the School Committees confidentiality policy. - Supports the assigned special and general education teacher, by implementing modifications of educational materials as needed.
• Assists the teacher in implementing special strategies for reinforcing materials or skills based on an understanding of the individual student, his/her needs, interests, and abilities. - Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities. - May participates on faculty committees as assigned. Time spent in accordance with the paraprofessional contract.
• Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the school and/or through self-selected professional growth activities. - Complies with district, state and federal policies and regulations. - Assists in administering or monitoring group tests. - Maintains accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, school policy and administrative procedures.
• Acts as a Mandated Reporter (Chapter 119, Section 51A). - Complies with the Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Policy. - Any other duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent.Special Knowledge/Ability Required for the Position: Must be able to work collaboratively with faculty and parents/guardians to promote the educational development of students. Has the ability to interact respectfully with teachers, parents, students and community members to promote a positive view of the school.

Ability to respond appropriately to criticism from parents/guardians. Ability to work as a member of a team to promote the mission and goals of the school.Physical Requirements: The position requires a moderate amount of walking, standing, sitting and climbing stairs and step stool whenever necessary. Activities also include moderate physical exertion in body movement such as reaching, bending, twisting, grasping, pushing, and pulling of objects. The position requires lifting objects of twenty (20) pounds on a frequent basis, and over twenty (20) pounds occasionally.

The employee may be required to perform physical restraints. There is a frequent requirement of fine manipulation associated with the required use of a computer, typewriter, keyboard, calculator, and other business machines. Physical requirements may change based on the needs of the specific students the paraprofessional has been assigned.Environmental Conditions: The employee is required to work indoors where he/she may be exposed to regular chemical solvents such as toners and cleaning fluids and outdoors where he/she maybe exposed to variations in temperature and participation. Appropriate clothing is required at the employees expense.The Granby Public Schools strives to provide a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment in which all students can thrive and succeed in its schools.

The Granby Public Schools prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or homelessness and ensures that all students have equal rights of access and equal enjoyment of the opportunities, advantages, privileges, and courses of study.