QUALIFICATIONS: ELS-Paraprofessional Educator License minimum

REPORTS TO: Special Education Teacher, Assistant Principal/Lead Teacher

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

PURPOSE: Assists preschool, elementary, or middle school teachers with their instructional duties, while ensuring the teacher retains primary responsibility for designing and implementing educational programs and services.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Support individual student(s) or small groups of students to provide additional reinforcement of material taught directly by the classroom teacher.
2. Assist students with independent completion of assignments/activities as assigned by the teacher, including provision of individual accommodations or modifications as listed in students’ individual plans. (i.e., 504, IEP, safety, behavior, etc.)
3. Assist teacher with classroom behavior management to minimize disruptions, maintain a safe and orderly environment, and keep students on task.
4. Assist student(s) in any/all settings within and outside the general/special education classroom as appropriate.
5. Follow schedule created by Lead Teacher/Dean.
6. Collect data at the direction of the teacher, supervisor, and/or related service providers.
7. Support the integration of technology and augmentative communication to strengthen the teaching and learning process based on individual student need.
8. Implement students’ behavior plans as directed by the teacher
9. Employ positive behavioral strategies when supporting student behavior.
10. Foster independence, socialization, and self-esteem for all students.
11. Supervise student(s) at lunch, recess, in the hallways during passing periods, before and after school for bus arrival and dismissal, during assemblies, emergency drills, field trips, and at other times as assigned by the building Principal/Dean/Lead Teacher
12. Assist students with daily living activities, including personal hygiene tasks such as hand and face washing, feeding, diapering, toileting, and changing clothing as needed.
13. Maintain confidentiality of information about students, staff, and others, and maintains the privacy of student records
14. Follow all safety rules, procedures, and regulations for assisting all students, including those with disabilities or special needs
15. Monitor and assist during situations involving aggressive or uncontrolled behavior of identified students, following district approved de-escalation and physical restraint techniques and procedures. Provide input and data collection as needed after behavioral incidents by completing necessary paperwork. Additionally, report on student performance and behavior to help students achieve their personal best.
16. Maintain district approved de-escalation and physical restraint techniques certification.
17. Assist the substitute teacher in the classroom teacher’s absence
18. Prepare educational materials as needed.
19. Adhere to Board of Education policies and procedures.
20. Attend professional development, PLC, staff, and building meetings as directed by the building Principal.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge of childhood growth and development
• General knowledge of academic subjects relevant to position assignment
• Basic computer skills for effective communication and proficient use of district software applications
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively and follow directions
• Ability to understand diverse learning needs, second language instructional practices, and special education accommodations and modifications for children
• Ability to perform duties in a positive, professional manner
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others
• Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, District policies, building and department procedures

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Assistant Principal, Lead Teacher, and/or designee in accordance with provisions of Board policy on evaluation of Support Services Personnel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear, with frequent walking and occasional standing, reaching, and other physical activities. Responsibilities include prolonged physical tasks such as stooping, bending, kneeling, squatting, pulling, pushing, twisting, lifting, and carrying. The role involves moving equipment, furniture, and materials; supporting students with toileting needs; assisting non-ambulatory students; and occasionally performing heavy lifting (50 pounds or more), positioning students, and applying de-escalation or physical restraint techniques. Additional tasks include sitting on the floor, reaching overhead, and handling adaptive or classroom equipment.

Essential sensory abilities include close vision for reading, distance and peripheral vision, focus adjustment, and hearing speech in various environments, including classrooms, outdoors, and over the phone. Clear, audible speech is required for effective communication.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Duties are typically performed in a school or classroom environment, with occasional responsibilities during field trips. The work environment noise level ranges from moderate to loud. Tasks are primarily indoors, with some outdoor activities.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 178 Days. The length of the work day is 7 hours to equal 7.5 hours of work and a 30-minute duty free unpaid lunch. Salary to be established by the Board.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Starting Salary: $18.00-$19.00/Hour
• Health, Dental/Vision Benefits Information:
  • Health Benefits Options: 3200 HSA Plan; 700 PPO Plan
  • Dental/Vision Benefits Summary
  • Health Insurance Premiums 2024-2025
• Sick Day Allocation: 16 days total, with up to 3 days available for personal use
• Life Insurance: $50,000
• Pension System: IMRF
• Tuition Reimbursement: $2,750 annually