Paraeducator - Pre-K - Old Post Elementary School - 2026 - 2027 School Year

Harford County Public Schools; Maryland; On-site; USD 27,918 - 45,749; Full time

Job summary

Harford County Public Schools seeks a Paraeducator – Pre‑Kindergarten for Old Post Road Elementary School to support instruction and assist with IEP/IFSP implementation for students with special needs. You will work with teachers in small groups or individually, prepare instructional materials, monitor behavior, and participate in professional development.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED; a CDA or higher with required credits/scores is preferred; they must meet physical demands

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• CDA or higher with 48 college credits or passing paraprofessional exam with specific scores.
• Ability to meet physical requirements including lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with students with disabilities preferred.
• Willingness to be trained in restraint techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional support to students during instruction.
• Implement teacher lesson plans with individuals or small groups.
• Assist with data collection, testing, and student assessment.
• Support IEP/IFSP implementation for students with special needs.
• Monitor student behavior and apply behavioral strategies.
• Assist with school duties including field trips and bus duty.
• Provide help via digital platforms for instruction and assessment.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Physical ability

Sign language

Restraint training

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree

CDA Certificate

Job description

Paraeducator – Pre‑Kindergarten

Old Post Road Elementary School

Human Resources Office
102 S. Hickory Ave, Bel Air, Maryland 21014
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.hcps.org

Job Overview

HCPS is committed to recruiting and retaining effective and diverse educators and staff to build a climate of student success and improve learning experiences for every child in every classroom.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 and assist with data collection, testing, and student assessment.
• Performs other work‑related duties as assigned, which may include both in‑person and virtual duties as applicable.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full‑time ten‑month position. Salary is based on the FY 2025‑2026 HCEA‑ESP Salary Schedule for Paraeducator Personnel. Starting salary: $27,918 – Maximum earnings potential: $45,749.

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, visit https://www.hcps.org/departments/HumanResources/Default.aspx.

For more information on holidays and paid time off, refer to https://www.hcps.org/boe/collectivebargaining.aspx.

Training and Experience Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Associate of Arts degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or
• CDA Certificate (Child Development Associate) with 48 college credits 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.
  • Foundations of Classroom Support (517) with a score of 220 or higher.
  • Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519) with a score of 220 or higher.
• Possess strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Able to be trained in and perform proper restraint techniques.
• Able to meet physical requirements of the position, including squatting, kneeling, and ability to lift and transfer students weighing up to 40 pounds. A pre‑employment exam may be required.
• 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.

How to Apply

Employment applications are accepted online only. To access the application, visit the Employment Opportunities section of the HCPS website at www.hcps.org. If you have questions or require assistance to complete the online employment application, contact the Human Resources Office at 410-588-5238.

Deadline

Online employment applications will be accepted until filled. Applications received on or before July 9, 2026 will receive first consideration.

Affirming Equal Employment

Harford County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We 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, Harford County prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, or any other protected characteristic in any program or activity it operates. Harford County encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

Inquiries or concerns about your rights related to Title IX can be directed to our Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Eric Davis, at 102 South Hickory Ave, Bel Air, MD 21014, 410-588-5202, or [e-mail]. Inquiries related to your rights under Title VI or Title VII can be directed to our Coordinator of Investigations, Ms. Renee McGlothlin, at 410-809-6087 or [e-mail]. Harford County Public Schools’ non‑discrimination policy can be accessed at 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 at NON‑DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: (hcps.org) and found on the HCPS homepage.