Education Support Professional (Paraprofessional) - Preschool - Special Education

Szetela Early Childhood School

Chicopee (MA)

On-site

USD 23,000 - 36,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Job summary

Szetela Early Childhood School in Chicopee, MA is seeking an Education Support Professional (Paraprofessional) for Preschool/Special Education to assist in learning for students with special needs in small groups and one-on-one settings.

Under the supervision of the building principal and classroom teacher, you will support assessments, manage instructional materials, and help with daily living activities, while maintaining professional communication with families and staff.

Qualifications

High School Diploma required; associates or bachelor’s degree preferred.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred to support diverse families.
Previous experience in education or Paraprofessional roles is desirable.

Responsibilities

Work with individual and small groups of students.
Assist in administering and communicating basic assessments.
Support instruction and reinforce district curriculum.
Help students with activities of daily living when needed.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Experience preferred

Education

High School Diploma

Associates degree

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Chicopee Public Schools Szetela Early Childhood School - Chicopee, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Education Support Professional (Paraprofessional) - Preschool - Special Education

This job is also posted in Chicopee Public School District

Job Details

Job ID: 5672035

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: Oct 16, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

TITLE: Paraprofessional - Special Education - Elementary

TYPE: Unit E Collective Bargaining Agreement

SALARY: Per Unit E Collective Bargaining Agreement

REPORTS TO: Building Principal/Classroom Teacher

OBJECTIVE: The primary function of a paraprofessional is work with individual or small groups of children with special needs to facilitate learning and achievement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with individual and small groups of students
Administer, correct and communicate basic analyze of student assessments
Utilize the conclusions derived from assessment analysis in subsequent instruction
Instruct students on rules of conduct and expected behaviors
Bring academic, social and motor issues to the attention of the classroom teacher
May update parents or guardians of their students’ academic performance and behavior
Support class objectives and outlines that align with the district approved curriculum
Maintain records, attendance and assessments as required by the classroom teacher
Assist in preparation of classroom materials
Assist in the delivery of differentiated instruction in an appropriate manner consistent with district curriculum
Provide timely feedback to the classroom teacher regarding student progress in academic, social and motor skills
Assist students with activities of daily living, including diapering and toileting needs if necessary
Work independently by appropriately using the directions given by the special education teacher
Demonstrate the dependability, time management, as well as the receptive and expressive communication skills, to effectively perform the assignment
Build on strengths and act on suggestions in areas needing improvement
Possess the ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to new situations and an ever changing educational environment
Demonstrate sound judgment
Maintain effective, professional working relationship with others (e.g., paraprofessionals, teachers, staff, parents, guardians, administrators, etc.)
Resolve conflict well, and seek assistance when appropriate
Under the direction of the special education teacher, strive to maintain a learning environment that is both physically and emotionally safe
As appropriate, assist in the communication and enforcement of federal and state laws and regulations, as well as district policies and procedures
Other duties as assigned by the principal, or school administration

School/Community Relations

Respect students, parents, guardians and community.
Respect and embrace students of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Operations

Assist in the protection of students and property.
Assist the classroom teacher in fire and other emergency drills.
Assist the classroom teacher in the management of students (e.g. dismissal, field trips, etc.)

Professional

Maintain a high level of personal integrity, confidentiality and a strong work ethic.
Practice discretion and maintains the confidentiality, particularly and specifically concerning the background, achievement, behavior or other information about children with special needs.
Participate in professional development as assigned.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma required, as well as additional college level coursework. Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred
Previous experience preferred

Must be trained or willing to be trained by the Chicopee Public schools in the knowledge and performance areas identified for the specific assignment (e.g., Implementation of a Student Behavior Plan, Use of Sign Basic Language, Use of a Communication Board, Physical Restraint and Verbal De-escalation Techniques).

ADA and Minimum Qualifications to Perform Essential Job Functions

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment including, but not limited to: computers, copiers, adding machines, etc. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Must be able to stand, crouch and bend over for a long period of time at intervals throughout the day.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or composite characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange Information. Includes giving instructions, assignments or directions to subordinates or assistants.
Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of correspondence including, but not limited to: reports, forms, newsletters, schedules, manuals, invoices, requisitions, menus, recipes, journals, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, forms, evaluations, procedures, charts, surveys, articles, bid specifications, brochures, news releases, handbooks, budgets, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence.
Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to understand and communicate in a variety of technical or professional languages including medical, legal, accounting and marketing terminology.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages; and to apply the principles of basic mathematics, algebra and geometry.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment and assisting students in activities of daily living.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment and hand tools. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Interpersonal: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.
Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear. Must be able to communicate via telephone. Must be able to use communication boards and devices to communicate with students as required.