PURPOSE
Assist within the classroom, aid in supervising, and provide support for the instruction of students in special education. The special education paraprofessional will be required to take direction and work intuitively to support the completion of the student's goals and objectives in a professional manner.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Reports to the Building Principal
Duration: Aligned with the school calendar, including Student Instructional Days and designated Professional Development Days
Evaluation: Performance will be reviewed annually prior to June 30th
Attendance: Expected regular and dependable attendance
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Work collaboratively with the student's educational team.
- Support assigned students in an educational setting appropriate to meet the educational requirements set forth by the district, federal and state mandates, and individualized education programs, under the direct supervision of a special education or regular education teacher.
- Under the direct direction and supervision of the teacher, develop, prepare, modify or adapt instruction and materials.
- Communicate with students clearly and accurately according to the developmental and receptive language level of the student.
- Assist the teacher in providing instructional activities and reinforcement such as but not limited to supplemental follow-up activities and instructional content/materials.
- Participate in parent/guardian meetings when requested to attend.
- Maintain a good rapport with parents/guardians and co-workers.
- Identify opportunities for students to engage with their non-disabled peers, aiming to maximize interaction by facilitating their participation in instructional activities alongside their peers under the direct supervision of the teacher.
- At the direction of the special education teacher and/or related service providers, support modification and accommodations such as but not limited to work on academic, communication, motor, sensory, social and self-help skills.
- Assist in communication to staff, students and parents/guardians as directed.
- Assist in communication throughout the school day in a variety of settings (recess, lunch, peer interactions, emergency drills) as stated in the IEP.
Related to non-academic instruction:
- Maintain records such as but not limited to student performance, behavior and services provided as directed by the Director of Special Education & Pupil Services and teacher(s).
- Assist with behavior management and classroom maintenance activities.
- Assist with operation of classroom equipment with proper training that includes, but is not limited to computers and various software programs, LCD etc.
- Arrange and maintain bulletin board displays.
- If required, assist with supervising a group or individual students in the lunchroom, hallways and recess areas.
- If applicable, assist in food preparation and food clean up during snack.
- If applicable, perform caretaking assistance including but not limited to lifting, cleaning, diaper changing, feeding, guiding, transportation, etc…
Other Duties:
- As assigned, provide one-on-one assistance to assigned student(s).
- Supervise students during structured and unstructured times at the direction of special education teachers, service providers, Special Education Director, and/or principals.
- Assist in the general supervision of all students.
- With proper training, physically assisting students with personal care needs including but not limited to: toileting (including diaper changing), dressing, communicating, feeding/opening food packages and physical movement. As appropriate the training and delegation of responsibilities can be delivered by the teachers, School Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Speech/Language Pathologist, Audiologist, Hearing or Vision Specialist, Orientation & Mobility Specialist, or School Psychologist.
- Follow all District policies and building rules, regulations and procedures, and abide by the expectations outlined in the Employee Handbook.
- Uphold the ethical standards (including confidentiality) of the School District of Cudahy in accordance with the Board Policy and the Employee Handbook.
- Responsible for reporting all personal absences to the Principal.
- Effectively and consistently follow health and safety precautions and procedures.
- Identify and report dangerous, unsafe, unsecured and unsightly conditions to superiors; recommend appropriate corrective action.
- Provide one-on-one tutoring for eligible students during times when the teacher would not otherwise be instructing the student;
- Assist with classroom management, such as organizing instructional and other materials;
- Provide assistance with student computers;
- Provide instructional services to students, if working under the direct supervision of a teacher;
- Effectively interact with others in person, by phone or in written communication.
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; working cooperatively with all other district departments and Administrators.
- Other related duties as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent, Director of Special Education, teacher, or related service provider.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Exercise sound judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information.
- Understand and adhere to all District policies, procedures, and established expectations.
- Demonstrate a positive, professional, and welcoming attitude.
- Exercise sound independent judgment and problem-solving skills, making decisions within parameters established by the supervisor.
- Effectively manage multiple priorities, interruptions, and time-sensitive tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Work effectively both independently and as a member of a team, demonstrating initiative when appropriate.
- Work effectively with individuals and groups representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and needs.
- Communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally in person, by telephone, and in writing.
- Maintain accurate and organized records.
- Meet established schedules, deadlines, and timelines.
- Attend staff meetings, professional meetings, and professional development opportunities as assigned.
- Maintain high standards of integrity, professionalism, and personal performance.
- Effectively use web-based programs, email, and other technology necessary to perform job responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or GED required. K-12 experience is not required but is preferred. Special Education Paraprofessionals must hold a Special Education Aide License (#883); however, the license may be obtained after hire.
Prior experience working with school-aged children in an educational setting is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills, the ability to follow instructional plans with fidelity, and the flexibility to adapt to the needs of a dynamic classroom environment. A commitment to maintaining a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students is essential. Flexibility, reliability, and a willingness to learn, accept feedback, and collaborate with certified staff are key to success in this role..
PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS
- Must be able to stand, walk, sit, climb, crawl, bend, and remain in a stationary position for extended periods, with or without back support.
- Frequently required to perform physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, or moving items up to 25 pounds, with occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to maintain focus, concentration, and attention to detail across a variety of tasks.
- Must follow all safety practices and protocols at all times.
- May require use of standard tools and equipment during inspections or maintenance walkthroughs.
- Must be able to operate computers, printers, copiers, phones, and other standard office equipment.
- Vocal communication is required to express ideas and provide detailed or important instructions clearly and effectively.
- Hearing is required to understand normal spoken conversations, respond to inquiries, and distinguish between various sounds.
- Must be able to communicate effectively-both verbally and in writing-with staff, administration, parents, and other members of the educational community.
- Must be able to remain composed and exercise emotional control under stressful or emergency conditions.
- Proficiency in using web-based programs (Google Workspace), email, and educational or operational technology (e.g., laptops, Smartboards).
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work will take place primarily in indoor school or office environments, with regular exposure to student noise, music, food odors, cleaning chemicals, and occasional facility-related noise.
- Duties may also require work in outdoor environments such as schoolyards, building grounds, or field trip locations, with exposure to varying weather conditions (hot, warm, cool, cold) and seasonal elements like mowed grass and snow removal.
- Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support special events, emergency responses, or seasonal maintenance needs.
- Regular and consistent work attendance is expected.
- Travel between district buildings may be required; employees must use their own vehicle and will be reimbursed mileage per district policy.
- The employee shall remain free from the use of alcohol or illegal substances in the workplace, in compliance with Policy 3122.01, throughout their employment with the District.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The School District of Cudahy is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.
DISCLAIMER
Nothing in this job description restricts the Supervisor's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The description reflects Supervisor's assignment of essential functions and does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.