DESCRIPTION

The special education paraprofessional assists with providing appropriate educational opportunities and instruction for each student, according to the guidelines established by the VI Department of Education. Under the direct supervision of the principal and/ or instructional personnel, individuals would perform routine and specialized work relating mainly to instructional activities in a school. An employee in this class is required to assist Special Education teachers in providing supportive learning environments that facilitate inclusion of learners with diverse learning needs, and protects the safety, health, and well-being of learners and staff. The scope of work to be performed by the Paraprofessional impacts students from preschool to high school.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE)

• Assists by participating in the implementation of educational and other services designed for children with various levels of disabilities;
• Accompanies students to and from their homes when required;
• Assists with personal and hygiene care of male and female students;
• Maintains open communication with parents, faculty and staff;
• Works closely with health services and guidance personnel to assist students with special problems;
• Instructs individual or small groups of learners following lesson plans developed by the teacher;
• Obtains and reviews related instructional materials prior to providing interpreting services as requested;
• Assists individual learners with supplementary / independent study projects as assigned by the teacher

• Prepares learning/ instructional material bulletin boards and maintain learning centers;
• Translates simultaneously with the classroom lectures and/ or other presentations and events from English into sign language and translates students responses from sign into English;
• Interprets at special events (e.g. field trips and student instructor conferences);

• Assist hearing impaired students with the learning materials and instructional exercises;
• Works closely with hearing impaired students individually or in small groups to reinforce learning activities;
• Assist hearing impaired students during student orientation;
• Maintains, as directed by an occupational or physical therapist, nurse, or speech-language pathologist, adaptive equipment required by learners with physical and sensory disabilities, or health related needs;
• Assists teachers/providers with functional assessment activities to determine a child’s developmental level and learning needs, including documenting the data and maintaining learner records required by the state, district, or agency;
• Administers standardized assessment instruments scored and analyzed by teachers or other professional practitioners;
• Supervises students in community-based learning environments to prepare them to make the transition from school-to-work and to participate in the adult world (if required by learner or program needs);