Paraeducator - Early Childhood Program

The Maryland School for the Blind; Maryland; On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution for children with disabilities in Maryland seeks a Paraeducator - Early Learning to coordinate programs for students aged 3-5 with multiple disabilities. Responsibilities include teaching children individually and in groups, providing direct care, and implementing daily schedules. Candidates should have a minimum high school diploma and an 90-hour early childhood care certification, along with general knowledge of educational practices and disabilities.

Qualifications

• Candidate must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must complete 18 continuing training clock hours per year.
• Knowledge of medical disorders such as seizures.

Responsibilities

• Teaches children with disabilities on an individual and group basis.
• Provides direct care requiring frequent standing and walking.
• Implements daily student schedules under the lead teacher's directive.

Skills

General knowledge of education principles

General knowledge of disabilities

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Sign Language

Education

High School Diploma/GED

90-Hour Early Childhood Care Certificate

Job description

Paraeducator - Early Learning

SUMMARY: With supervision, coordinates educational programs for a designated group of academic students with multiple disabilities aged 3‑5 years.

Essential Functions

• Teaches young children with typical development and those with disabilities, including blindness and multiple disabilities, on an individual and group basis.
• Provides direct care to assigned students, requiring frequent standing and walking, and limited sitting during a standard work day.
• Implements established daily student schedules under the lead teacher’s directive, which may require physically handling and assisting other persons in daily activities, including bending, stooping, kneeling, and crawling.
• Coordinating service: manages classroom resources and coordinates data collection and recording.

Marginal Functions

• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Work Schedule

38.5 or 40 daytime hours, Monday through Friday with a ½ hour unpaid lunch break scheduled each day; flextime within the work week is occasionally required, and additional work hours are infrequently assigned. This position follows an 11‑month school schedule.

Requirements

Experience and Skills:

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma/GED.
• 90‑Hour Early Childhood Care Certificate or Childcare Credential, or applicable college coursework.
• General knowledge of education principles, practices, and procedures.
• General knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice.
• General knowledge of disabilities and developmental delays.
• General knowledge of medical disorders such as seizures.
• Candidate must complete a minimum of 18 continuing training clock hours per year in Early Childhood Education.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and push or pull in excess of 100 lbs. unassisted.

Other applicable trainings/certifications that may be required include, but are not limited to:

• Gastrostomy tube (G‑tube)/Medication Management Certification
• Braille
• Sign Language
• Lifting, Transfers & Positioning/Mechanical Lift
• Computer Skills
• Driving Certification to transport students
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Training