Special Education Paraeducator

Reading Public Schools is a vibrant and inclusive educational community dedicated to providing exceptional learning experiences for all students. Our commitment to inclusive education ensures that every student, regardless of their individual needs, has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially. We are currently seeking a passionate and dedicated Special Education Paraeducator to join our team.

As a Special Education Paraeducator, you will play a crucial role in supporting the educational and developmental needs of students with disabilities. Working under the guidance of our special education teachers and staff, you will provide one-on-one or small group assistance to students, helping them access the curriculum and reach their full potential. Your dedication and compassion will contribute to the success and growth of our special education programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist special education teachers, general education teachers, and other certified specialists in accommodating/modifying lessons and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities
• Provide academic and behavioral support to students both inside and outside the classroom
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, nurses, and other professionals to create and maintain a safe and supportive learning environment
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom atmosphere by promoting social and emotional growth while also ensuring personal and group safety
• Supervise and assist students with daily tasks and activities, including mobility, transitions, hygiene, self-care, self-regulation, and communication
• Models appropriate behavior for students
• Collect accurate data to maintain student progress records and communicate with collaborative educational team on a consistent basis
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma and/or related work experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with students with disabilities 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Patience, empathy, and genuine passion for working with students with diverse needs
• Ability to follow directions, work independently, and adapt to changing situations
• Completion of trainings as required (i.e. CPR, first aid, restraint)

Working Conditions:

• Frequent movement throughout the school building
• Normal school environment with acceptable noise levels
• Interaction with students, parents, and staff, occasionally juggling multiple demands
• Work in a classroom with the ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, bend, or twist
• Frequent use of hands for tasks and hand strength to grasp tools
• Occasional lifting or positioning of students
• Occasional operation of office machinery and computers as well as ability to input information into a computer and read printed or digital material
• Potential for exposure to unpredictable behavior
• Continuous ability to see and hear for student safety and frequent speaking for instruction
• Rare occasions of quick movement on various surfaces
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of up to fifty (50) pounds without assistance.
• Majority of the work day spent indoors
• Occasional outdoor activities such as recess, fire drills, and special events

Position: Special Education Program Paraprofessional

Department: Building

Reports to: Principal

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Union: Reading Paraeducators Association

Pre-Employment Screening: CORI, Criminal

Last revised: September 8, 2023