Para-Educator- Prekindergarten Special Education

We are deeply committed to an inclusive curriculum and school community that reflects the diversity of our student population. We strive to have the highest quality educators and encourage applications from candidates representing a broad range of skills and diverse backgrounds. We seek candidates who are dedicated to inclusion and have a clear interest in being part of the richness of diversity that the New Bedford Public Schools community has to offer.Positions:

• Para- Educator: including small group, 1:1, 2:1, and Program

Objective:

• Instructional Paraprofessionals provide positive and nurturing supports to students in the school setting. Supports may include attending to students physical, person, academic, and/or social emotional needs. Through collaboration, paraprofessionals assist the teacher in daily instruction, appropriately managing the classroom environment, and are instrumental in supporting students in meeting their academic, social and behavioral goals.

Responsibilities:

• The paraprofessional will work under the direction and guidance of the special education/general education teacher, administration, and school-based personnel in supporting students growth and achievement including students IEP goals and objectives.
• Assisting students in their learning across content areas in individual, small group, and whole group settings.
• Assisting students in self-regulation and management of emotions and behavior to maximize student learning including, but not limited to, implementing and supporting behavior plans and classroom management programs.
• Provide sensory support to students as needed. Sensory supports may include, but are not limited to, implementing and supporting sensory plans, providing students sensory breaks, and supporting students in the use of sensory equipment.
• Assisting and supporting students in their communication between peers, school staff, etc. including the use of assistive technology.
• Supporting students transitions during arrival and dismissal, between subjects/classes in school, and between activities.
• Paraprofessionals will provide support in the development of social, emotional, and behavioral skills with individuals or group of students.
• May be asked to review student IEPs on an as needed basis to ensure students needs are understood and being met
• May provide personal care assistance to students including but not limited to toileting/diapering, feeding, physical lifting of students for hygiene and body positioning changes.
• Other duties related to support of students as directed by Administration.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 48 college credits; or Passed the Para Pro test
• Experience working with children; in an educational setting preferred
• Experience with and/or the ability to become CPI trained if necessary
• Experience working with children with Special Education services preferred
• Passion to work with school aged children

Terms of Employment:

• Reports to: School Principal
• Rate: In accordance with the Paraprofessional contract found here
• Work Year: School year

The New Bedford Public Schools do not discriminate on account of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, genetics, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions in employment for potential employees. New Bedford Public Schools encourages people with multilingual skills, particularly in Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese and/or Spanish, to apply. Every available opportunity will be taken in order to assure that each applicant is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit and ability.