SPED Paraprofessional Behavior

Primary Purpose:

Help meet physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in various classroom settings. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including social skills, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of the principal and immediate direction of a certified teacher.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Associate’s degree, two years of study at an institution of higher learning, or have met formal academic assessment as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to work with children with disabilities

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Ability to communicate effectively

Knowledge of general office equipment

Experience:

Some experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Support

• Assist teacher with behavior management strategy implementation and data collection. 
• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.

Student Management

• Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed. 
• Recognize differences in each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop social skills, functional skills, and academic skills.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; 

Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking and reaching

Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non ambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment

Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases)

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress