Area 2 Elementary School _ Paraprofessional, Special Ed (Laurel Ridge Elementary School) 2026-2027

Smithville Elementary School PTO, Inc.; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Laurel Ridge ES is seeking a SPED Paraprofessional to support teachers in meeting the educational, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students in classroom settings and the community. The role emphasizes collaboration with team members and requires strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities include assisting students with personal care, health-related needs, and data collection under supervision.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and pass the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment is required.
• An associate degree or higher from a Georgia PSCS-approved college is required.
• 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours with GPA 2.0+ from a PSCS-approved college.

Responsibilities

• Assists students with physical and personal care needs per IEP and policy.
• Supports health-related care needs with appropriate training and consent.
• Provides small groups or individualized instruction per lesson plans.
• Monitors students before/after school and during transitions.
• Assists with classroom management and behavior support.
• Assists with assessment and recordkeeping tasks.
• Develops instructional materials with the teacher and ensures availability.

Education

High school diploma or GED

GACE Paraprofessional Assessment

Associate degree or higher (Georgia PSCS approved)

60 credit hours or 90 quarter hours

Paraprofessional certificate

Job description

Laurel Ridge ES is seeking an SPED Paraprofessional. The ideal candidate should be knowledgeable and have a strong desire to help students learn. The primary responsibility is to implement, deliver and promote high academic expectations to all students. The ideal candidate must work collaboratively with team members and must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Salary Grade/Schedule

Unified 108

Salary Schedules

Click Here

The material contained herein is subject to change. All open positions offered by the DeKalb County School District are subject to specific job requirements. The DeKalb County School District is an equal opportunity employer, and all hiring decisions are subject to federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

Title: Paraprofessional, Special Education

Supports teachers in meeting the educational, behavioral, and social emotional needs of students in the classroom and community.

Essential Functions

• Assists students with physical and personal care needs, including feeding, toileting, lifting, mobility, and nonmedical personal care activities, as outlined in the student's IEP and in accordance with district policy, required training, and applicable state laws, under the supervision of a certified teacher or licensed professional.
• Supports students with daily health-related care needs, such as hygiene and other non-medical assistance, when appropriately trained and authorized, ensuring all activities align with IEP requirements, obtained consent, and district and state guidelines.
• Assists students with health care procedures, including hygiene and medications, as needed for daily care.
• Provides small groups and/or individualized instruction to students, in accordance with lesson plans developed by the teacher.
• Monitors students before and after school and during other non-instructional transitional periods.
• Assists teachers with daily classroom management activities designed to ensure that students demonstrate behavior that is conducive to an effective learning environment.
• Assists teachers with the assessment of student performance (standardized and non-standardized testing) and other recordkeeping tasks.
• Assists teachers with the development and organization of appropriate instructional materials for use with students and ensures the availability of these materials prior to scheduled instructional segments.
• Provides direct instructional support to students under the supervision of a certified special education teacher.
• Reinforces academic content in whole group, small group, and one-on-one settings.
• Implements accommodations and modifications as outlined in student's IEPs.
• Assists with progress monitoring and data collection under the supervision of a certified special education teacher.
• Implements Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) with fidelity.
• Maintains a safe and structured learning environment.
• Supports students' self-regulation, social skills, and behavioral strategies.
• Participates in professional learning and required training.
• Maintains confidentiality of student records in compliance with FERPA and district policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education And/Or Experience

• High school diploma or GED and pass the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment, required.
• OR -
• An associate degree or higher from a Georgia Professional Standards Commission-approved accredited college or university is required.
• OR -
• Minimum of sixty (60) semester hours or ninety (90) quarter hours of college courses completed with a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 2.0 or higher from a Georgia Professional Standards Commission-approved accredited college or university.
• A valid Professional Standards Commission-approved paraprofessional certificate is required.

02/16/2026