Itinerant Paraeducator, Special Education (Preschool Students, Ages 0-5)

About the Employer

Thank you for your interest in the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE).

SMCOE employees share a vision of equity and excellence in education for every student, educator, and school. Children and youth are at the heart of our work, and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive, supportive workplace where staff have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

San Mateo County is home to 23 school districts, serving 85,000 students, and a robust early learning community. SMCOE and its staff have been recognized widely for their innovative and effective approaches to addressing challenging issues facing schools and students.

SMCOE welcomes and embraces individuals from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, disabilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, immigration statuses, and religions. At SMCOE, equity means providing every learner aged 0-22 with the education and support needed to thrive in school, career, and life, and every staff member with opportunities to grow and further deepen their impact. SMCOE is seeking employees who share our vision and commitment to excellence and equity in education for all students.

To achieve equity, SMCOE commits to :

• Interrupt inequitable practices and replace them with equity-driven, transparent systems;
• Improve outcomes for historically and currently underserved student groups, building on the assets, strengths and talents that they and their families possess;
• Continue to educate ourselves so we are better able to confront and dismantle systemic inequities;
• Center voices of those that have been historically marginalized and underserved, engaging a broad range of educational and community partners, in decision-making, determining priorities.

THE MERIT SYSTEM AND THE PERSONNEL COMMISSION

The San Mateo County Office of Education has utilized the Merit System since 1966 to ensure that classified employees are selected, promoted and retained without favoritism or prejudice. The Personnel Commission oversees a Civil Service (Merit) System of personnel management for San Mateo County Office of Education employees. The Merit System is a method of personnel management which is designed to promote the efficiency and economy of the workforce and the good of the public by providing for the selection and retention of employees, promotional opportunities, in-service training, and other related matters on the basis of merit, fitness, and the principle of "like pay for like work."

Job Summary

Under general supervision, assists certificated teachers in caring for and reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of special education students in classrooms or other learning environments; assists students with performing academic, daily living, and special health care activities; assists in implementing student Individualized Education Plans (IEPs); observes, monitors, and records student performance and behavior; performs administrative functions in support of classroom activities; and performs related duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Assists certificated teachers in caring for and reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of special education students in a classroom or other learning environment; monitors and oversees student drills, practices, and assignments in various subjects; confers with the teacher concerning lesson plans and materials and provides input and suggestions to meet student needs.

Assists students in completing classroom assignments, homework, and projects in various subject areas; ensures student understanding of classroom rules and procedures; assists students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, friendly attitude, and general guidance.

Observes and controls behavior of students in the classroom according to established policies and procedures; monitors students during outdoor, eating, field trips, and various other activities; monitors and reports progress regarding student performance and behavior.

SEE ATTACHED CLASS DESCRIPTION FOR

Requirements / Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Any combination equivalent to :

EDUCATION : Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by specialized training in special education; and

EXPERIENCE : One (1) year of progressively responsible experience working with children, preferably in a special education setting.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office, classroom, and outdoor environment with moderate to loud noise levels, cold and / or hot temperatures, and exposure to blood and body fluids while providing personal assistance to student(s) with daily activities and rendering First Aid and CPR. Employees interact with clients with behavioral disorders / erratic and assaultive behavior, including those which require emergency crisis intervention. Employees may interact with upset staff and / or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Employees are required to operate a vehicle to perform assigned work.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS :

Requires possession of a valid California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record to be maintained throughout employment.

Possession of a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency, to be maintained throughout employment.

EXAMINATION PROCESS :

The examination process for this classification may consist of :

1. A written in-person examination : TBD and

2. An oral board virtual examination : TBD

BENEFITS :

Total Compensation Package : Placement on salary schedule. If a medical plan is selected, the employee will receive a contribution of $1,300.00 / month toward the selected medical plan (through CalPERS), Delta Dental, and Life Insurance. The employee pays the balance of their health premiums from their gross earnings on a pre-tax basis. If a medical plan is not selected, employees will receive a contribution of $300.00 / month toward single coverage for Delta Dental, and Life Insurance. A vision plan (VSP) is also available. Employees pay the worker contribution to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). This position is represented by California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter No. 158. Pursuant to Article 2 of the CSEA 158 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the County Office shall deduct in accordance with the CSEA dues and fees schedule from the wages of all employees.

OTHER FRINGE BENEFITS :

Tuition Reimbursement.

Salary : $300 - $1,300