Educational Paraprofessional Paraeducator - Special Education - Group 1 (2026-2027 SY)

Job Description:

2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAEDUCATOR (GROUP 1)

NATHAN HALE MIDDLE SCHOOL

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under the direct supervision of a special education, the paraeducator supports students to participate in their educational program.

Essential Functions

All Paraeducators

• Assist in the implementation of the Norwalk Board of Education and administrative policies, rules, regulations and directives
• Follow Norwalk school policy to ensure student safety
• Follow teachers oral or written directions with accuracy
• Assist the teacher with the implementation of classroom instructional goals and Section 504 plans
• Assist students with classwork individually or in small groups
• Assist the teacher in maintaining student records of attendance
• Assist the teacher with documentation of student progress
• Assist the teacher with the preparation and distribution of lesson plan materials
• Encourage students to interact appropriately with peers
• Assist students during recess, breaks, emergency drills, assemblies, on school buses and field trips
• Assist and support students to use computers, iPads or other media to access curriculum
• Maintain respect at all times for confidential information

Special Education Paraeducators

• Perform all responsibilities listed above for all paraeducators and
• Follow teachers oral or written directions to assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals
• Assist the teacher with the implementation of a toilet schedule and program, and/or feeding program
• Provide escort and mobility assistance to students
• Assist and support students during community-based activities including, but not limited to job coach activities
• Assist and support students to develop independent living skills including hygiene, transportation, self-management, food preparation and/or feeding
• Implement behavioral programs developed by teacher
• Data collection of student learning activity as developed by the teacher
• Provide teacher information for progress monitoring and/or daily reports for the teacher to share with parents

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Effective, active listening skills
• Ability to record data with accuracy
• Ability to work effectively with others
• Ability to implement teacher directives related to instructional and behavioral goals effectively
• Organizational and problem solving skills

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Interact in a positive manner with staff, students, parents, and visitors
• Promote good public relations by personal appearance, attitude, and conversation
• Maintain a level of approachability by administration, staff, parents, and visitors
• Respond to questions and requests in a timely and appropriate manner
• Attend meetings and professional development activities as recommended by teacher, supervisor, Principal or ELL Instructional Specialist
• Perform other related duties as assigned by teacher, Principal, Special Education Supervisor or ELL Instructional Specialist

Qualifications/Certificates

• High School diploma or equivalency and ParaPro Certificate
• Bachelors Degree, Preferred
• Associates Degree in education or related field or ParaPro Certificate or two (2) years of college required
• Two (2) years of experience working with children or young adults in a school setting, preferred
• For Special Education Paraeducators-specific experience working with students with high management needs is preferred
• May require fluency in Spanish
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and/or Norwalk Board of Education may find appropriate

Days: Monday - Friday (27.5 hours weekly/schedule determined by Principal)

Salary: In accordance with collective bargaining agreement

Group: One

Bargaining Unit: NFEP