Program Assistant Jobs in Westminster, MD (NOW HIRING)

Para-educator - Instructional Assistant - Special Education - Emotional Support
Description: Support students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in the special education and general education environments to ensure that students receive the necessary support to access and benefit from the educational program. 

Collaborate with and assist special education and general education teachers in implementation of IEPs. Monitor and implement behavior support plans, as appropriate. The para-educator plays a key role in implementing (IEPs) and providing personalized assistance to students, fostering their overall growth and development. 

QUALIFICATIONS 
 

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE 

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with students with special needs preferred
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment. 

GENERAL 

• Patience, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team to support the success of students with IEPs.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Maturity and ability to deal effectively with students, staff and community.
• Self-motivated.
• Ability to work independently within the limits of assigned responsibilities.
• Receipt of current, favorable clearances including:  Pennsylvania State Criminal History (Act 34), Federal Criminal History (FBI Fingerprinting - Act 114), Pennsylvania Child Abuse (Act 151), and Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Disclosures (Act 168). 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
 

Implementing IEPs: 

• Collaborate with special education teachers and other professionals to implement the goals and strategies outlined in students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Provide individualized support to students, addressing their unique learning needs.
• Participate in the development and implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP), as appropriate. 

Classroom Support: 

• Assist in planning and implementing instructional activities to meet the diverse needs of students with special needs.
• Support classroom teachers in adapting curriculum materials and differentiating instruction.
• Assist with planning and implementing individual and group strategies for individual student success in academic and behavioral areas.
• Assist in working closely with the teacher to continually modify the program to meet individual student needs. 

Student Assistance: 

• Work one-on-one or in small groups with students to reinforce learning objectives.
• Provide assistance with academic tasks, ensuring that students are able to actively participate in classroom activities.
• Assist in classroom activities such as listening to students read, monitoring work sessions, collecting and returning assignments from major subject teachers, etc.
• Work with student assigned to a general education class and assist the general education teacher with adaptations as assigned by the special education teacher. 

Behavioral Support: 

• Implement behavior management strategies as outlined in IEPs.
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment by promoting appropriate behavior and social skills.
• Monitor student behavioral support plans and provide appropriate reinforcement as appropriate and when needed. 

Personal Care: 

• Provide personal care assistance to students with special needs, ensuring their well-being and comfort.
• Assist with activities of daily living, such as toileting, feeding, and mobility, as needed.
• Assist students with personal care as needed including but not limited to toileting, feeding, clothing fastening, and unfastening 

Communication and Collaboration: 

• Maintain open and effective communication with teachers and other professionals.
• Collaborate with the school team to address the unique needs of each student and share insights on student progress.
• Act as liaison between the general education teacher and special education teacher to provide immediate feedback relative to student performance. 

Documentation: 

• Keep accurate records of student progress, behavior, and any interventions implemented.
• Document observations and share relevant information with the teaching team.
• Assist in maintaining up-to-date records on each child describing strategies for each child's program.
• Assist teacher in the evaluation of student performance. 

Inclusion Support: 

• Facilitate the inclusion of students with special needs in general education classrooms.
• Support the integration of students into various school activities. 

Professional Development: 

• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in special education.
• Stay informed about best practices and new developments in the field.
• Maintain Highly Qualified status, including 20 hours of professional development annually, as determined by Pennsylvania regulations for paraprofessionals working with students with an identified disability. 

Safety and Well-being: 

• May support students with any of but not limited to the following:  Autistic Support, Emotional Support, Intensive Learning Support, Learning Support, and / or Life Skills.
• Perform such other duties as assigned by the teacher and/or principal, Special Education Supervisor, and/or Director of Pupil Services.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of students in various settings within the school.
• Supervise students during transitions and other activities.
• Assist in supervising students with special needs in less structured environment such as hallways, cafeteria, bus loading area, etc. 

Emotional Support Para-educator: 

• Support students with emotional and behavioral challenges in maintaining a positive learning environment.
• Implement behavior management strategies and interventions as outlined in IEPs.
• Foster positive relationships with students to promote emotional well-being.
• Collaborate with teachers and counselors to address emotional and social needs. 

Hours / Starting Pay:
FT/  7 hours per day (7:30am - 3:00pm) / 180 days per year
Minimum Starting Salary $15.46