Special Education Para Educator - Columbia School District

6.5 Hours/Day

The Special Education Para-Educator will provide support to students with disabilities.  Working with the Special Education Teacher and related service providers, the special education para educator provides assistance to students who are eligible for special education; performs a variety of tasks relating to the physical and instructional needs of students in a classroom setting; assists in the implementation of instructional programs, including self-help, activities of daily living, social-emotional learning, and other tasks as determined by the supervisor.  Para-Educator may be assigned to provide 1-1 supervision for some students.

Qualifications:

• Successful experience with special needs children; including experience implementing specially designed programs preferred, not required.
• Enthusiasm to work with special needs students in a variety of settings.
• Physical stamina as required to work effectively with special needs students; ability to keep pace and work with children of various disabilities, if needed.
• Excellent writing/communication capability in Standard English.
• High School Diploma/equivalent required. 
• Be deemed Highly Qualified per NCLB Requirements.  To be highly qualified you must meet one of the following requirements: AA degree,72 approved quarter credits, or passing score on Para Pro assessment (Para pro assessment can be taken upon application, but must be passed prior to being hired.)
• Valid first aid and CPR card desired.
• Experience with computers preferred, not required.
• Successful experience working with children of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.
• Excellent evaluations and references.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively with other educators and parents.
• Ability and enthusiasm to fulfill the job description.

The successful candidate shall:

• Cooperate with school personnel to deliver curriculum and assessment strategies to meet IEP, student, building and district goals and objectives.
• Provide appropriate assessment of developmental and academic skills in the Special Education setting.
• Participate in Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings, when asked.
• Implement appropriate programs for students in conjunction with the IEP team; plan appropriate programs for students in conjunction with Multi-disciplinary Team members (MDT)
• Deliver on goals and objectives which facilitate and measure student growth.
• Maintain proper records and facilitate the necessary paperwork and forms as required by law and Columbia School District policy.
• Collaborate successfully with other Special Education Teachers and Para-Educators in a variety of settings.
• Provide effective opportunities for peer interaction with students of various abilities, as appropriate.
• Be flexible to the demands of the position.
• Work with students in an enthusiastic, supportive, and consistent manner.
• Adhere to and maintain confidentiality in accordance with state/federal laws and Columbia School District policies.
• Communicate effectively and in a timely manner with school staff, parents, students, and community organizations.
• Meet the physical needs of students which may include, but is not limited to: assisting with medical devices, feeding, toileting and changing clothes of students.
• Be willing to participate in extra-curricular assignments and activities.

The candidate must demonstrate these attitudes:

• Confidentiality.
• Collaboration in the building and the district; work for the best interest of the student and his or her parents/guardians.
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills are utilized to meet the best interest of the students and program.
• The fundamental belief is that all students can learn and be successful and meet the educational goals as established in the IEP.
• Supportive and active in implementing building and Columbia School District goals.

Columbia School District #400 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:  Title IX Officer, Jay Aune, 787 Maple Street, Burbank, WA  99323, 509-545-8573, jay.aune@csd400.org , ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, Mike Taylor, 835 Maple Street, Burbank, WA  99323, 509-545-8571, mike.taylor@csd400.org and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Jillian Robillard, 977 Maple Street, Burbank, WA  99323, 509-547-9393, Jillian.Robillard@csd400.org.