Paraeducator - Para Pre-K - Church Creek Elementary School - 2026-2027

Harford County Public Schools; Maryland; On-site; USD 29,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Harford County Public Schools is seeking a Paraeducator – Pre-Kindergarten at Church Creek Elementary School. This full-time ten-month position supports instructional staff, assists with instruction for small groups, and helps with data collection and assessments for students with special needs.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED and an associate degree or CDA options, strong verbal and written communication, and the ability to assist with personal care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; CDA or associate degree options accepted.
• CDA Certificate with required scores per program, including ParaPro and ParaPathways options.
• Foundations of Classroom Support (517) or (519) with requisite scores per NestEst requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to students during instruction.
• Assist with data collection, testing, and student assessment.
• Support with implementation of IEP/IFSP for students with disabilities.
• Assist with personal care needs and safety of students.
• Prepare instructional materials and assist with school-wide duties.

Skills

Strong verbal and written comms

Interpersonal skills

Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate of arts degree or higher

CDA Certificate options

Job description

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

October 9, 2026

HCPSiscommittedtorecruitingandretainingeffectiveanddiverseeducatorsandstafftobuildaclimateofstudent success and improve learning experiences for every child in every classroom.

PARAEDUCATOR – PRE-KINDERGARTEN

Church Creek Elementary School

LateraltransfersofinstructionalpersonnelarenotconsideredafterAugust 1st.

Toassistschoolstaffwithinstructionalprograms,activities,andpersonalneedsof students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE

These items are intended only as examples of the various types of job duties to be performed; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

Provides support to students during instruction.

Implements teacher lesson plans with individuals or small groups of students.

Works under the direction of the teacher to provide instruction to individual or small groups of students.

Assists with data collection, testing, and student assessment.

Assists with the implementation of the Individual Education Programs (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP)for students with special needs depending on placement.

Monitors student behavior and implements behavioral strategies and intervention plans.

Provides assistance with personal care needs of students including, but not limited to, lifting, transferring, feeding, toileting, and restraint as required.

Prepares instructional materials for students as directed.

Assists with school-wide duties including, but not limited to, field trips, school assemblies, class coverage, bus duty, and the computer lab.

Participates in professional development programs as assigned.

Works with students via digital platform(s) to provide support during instruction, assist with data collection, testing, and student assessment.

Performs other work-related duties as assigned, which is inclusive of in-person duties and virtual duties as applicable.

SALARY

This is a full-time ten-month position. Salary range based on the FY 2026-2027 HCEA- ESP Salary Schedule for Paraeducator Personnel. Starting Salary: $29,158– Maximum Earnings Potential $47,769.

Full salary schedules can be foundat the bottomof the Current Vacancies webpage https://www.hcps.org/departments/humanresources/vacancies.aspx

HCPS offers an expansive benefits package including individual and family medical, vision, dental, life insurance, retirement savings, pension, paid time off, and more.

For a complete list of benefits, please visit the Employment Benefits section of the Human Resources webpage: https://www.hcps.org/departments/HumanResources/Default.aspx

For more information on holidays and paid time off, please refer to the Holidays and Leave Provisions sections of the HCEA-ESP Negotiated Agreement:https://www.hcps.org/boe/collectivebargaining.aspx

FLSA: Non-Exempt

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

High school diploma or GED, and

• associate of arts degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or
• CDA Certificate (Child Development Associate) (http://www.cdacouncil.org/) with 48 college credit with grade "C" or higher; or
• CDA Certificate (Child Development Associate) with a passing score on a paraprofessional exam which includes:
  • ParaPro score of 455 or higher taken on or before August 31, 2026
  • ParaPathways (5757): Reading and Writing with a score of 332 or higher AND ParaPathways: Mathematics with a score of 334 or higher
    • https://parapro.ets.org/5757.html
  • Foundations of Classroom Support (517) with a score of 220 or higher
    • https://www.nestest.com/state/md
  • Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519) with a score of 220 or higher
    • https://www.nestest.com/state/md

Possess strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.

Able to be trained in and perform proper restraint techniques.

Able to meet physical requirements of position which are considered essential job functions, with or without accommodation, by passing pre-employment exam. Such requirements directly support students and include, but are not limited to, squatting, kneeling, and ability to lift and transfer students weighing up to 40 pounds.

Experience working with students with disabilities preferred.

Possess specific skills as dictated by the needs of the students, e.g., sign language, ability to lift heavy objects, address medical needs, etc.

The Board of Education of Harford County is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We adhere to the principles of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Board of Education of Harford County prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, or any other protected characteristic in any program or activity it operates. The Board of Education of Harford County encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

Inquiries or concerns about your rights related to Title IX, Title VI, or Title VII can be directed to our Coordinator of Internal Investigations, Dr. Renee McGlothlin, at 410-809-6087 or [e-mail]. Harford County Public Schools’ non-discrimination policy can be accessed here: NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: (hcps.org) and found on the HCPS website under Board of Education Policies and Procedures. Harford County Public Schools’ non-discrimination statement can be accessed here: NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: (hcps.org) and found on HCPS’ homepage.

AFFIRMING EQUAL EMPLOYMENT IN PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE