Paraeducator, Prekindergarten Candidate Pool

Howard County Public School System; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

The Howard County Public School System is hiring a Paraeducator to assist students throughout the school day under teacher supervision. Responsibilities include implementing lesson plans, supporting classroom management, and monitoring student engagement.

Ideal candidates will have a High School Diploma or equivalent and the ability to work with students aged 0-5. This role offers benefits and contributions towards retirement.

Qualifications

• Must scan and upload diploma or transcript for application.
• Education outside the US must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in implementing lesson plans.
• Support classroom management strategies.
• Monitor and assist students with mobility needs.

Skills

Knowledge of child development

Human relations skills

Basic technology skills

Education

High School Diploma/GED Equivalent

48 college credits or more from an accredited college or university

Job description

The Paraeducator works under the direction of a principal or assistant principal, and with direct supervision from a teacher, providing assistance to students in small groups or one‑to‑one throughout the school day.

Responsibilities

• Assists classroom teachers or service providers in implementing content‑area instruction and lesson plans to reinforce learning in various subject areas and motor activities (e.g., reading, telling stories, spelling, games, art, writing, music, physical education, mathematics, social/communication, community, recreation/leisure, physical activities, etc.).
• Reviews and reinforces classroom lessons and learning experiences by monitoring and providing support to students engaged in independent work or similar activities in academic and non‑academic classes.
• In collaboration with the classroom teacher or service provider, implements consistent reinforcement of appropriate student behaviors, proactive strategies to support social‑emotional needs of all students, and implements behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to address target behaviors of individual students.
• Supports classroom/behavior management strategies to help students remain engaged and attentive during activities.
• Provides specified prompts for student engagement and participation during large group activities.
• Informs classroom teacher or service provider of individual student learning needs and progress through data collection and documentation.
• Supports the implementation of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) by collecting data and documentation related to student IEP goals/objectives and academic needs.
• Provides information to assist the teacher in evaluating the learning process, behavior management programs, individual student needs and progress.
• Assists classroom teacher or service provider in carrying out activities by preparing instructional materials (e.g., manipulatives, making copies, filing, etc.).
• Assists with the set‑up and operation of assistive technology to support student learning and communication (electronic communicators, switches, pointers, feeders, etc.).
• Attends meetings and professional learning sessions (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, behavior management, etc.) to acquire and/or convey information relative to job functions.
• Assists students with mobility needs (e.g., equipment is properly used and secured, including wheelchairs, seat belts or other safety restraints).
• Maintains confidentiality as it relates to student information and records (e.g., IEPs, student files, health information, etc.).
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g., bus, playground, classroom, field trips, transportation, assemblies, etc.).
• May assist with lunch activities (e.g., collecting lunch money, feeding, etc.) to help students with routines and foster independence as appropriate.
• Assists students who require support with feeding, toileting, health protocols, etc.
• Monitors/assists students between classrooms, during lunch period and recess, during playground activities, bus loading/unloading, and during restroom usage.
• Continues planned instructional activities during the teacher’s temporary absence from the classroom.
• Attends training opportunities provided by HCPSS.
• Performs clerical work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED Equivalent (must scan and upload diploma or official transcript to online application).
• Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization.
• For a Title I Schoolwide Program School, a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment is required.
• Alternatively, 48 college credits or more from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• One (1) year experience working with students ages 0‑5 in a licensed childcare, family childcare, or elementary (PK‑5) setting (desired but not required).
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or an AA degree to work in Pre‑K classrooms.
• Certification will be required beginning with the 2027‑2028 school year.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies and practices, instructional goals, and policies specifically in preschool‑aged children.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, including student progress and concerns.
• Human relations skills to work cooperatively, effectively, and exercise patience and sensitivity with students, parents, school‑based staff, administrators, colleagues, central office and community members.
• Clear and concise communication, both written and oral.
• Ability to remain calm under trying circumstances.
• Ability to work with students with and without IEPs in an inclusive classroom setting.
• Aptitude for work, such as a strong work ethic, organization, basic technology skills, and flexibility to work with diverse students and staff.
• Basic knowledge of child development, arithmetic, spelling, language, and reading sufficient to assist and motivate prekindergarten students with individual and group activities.
• Ability to perform clerical and classroom support duties with minimum supervision.
• Assists with recording attendance, obtaining parent signatures, and scheduling parent‑teacher meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently lift and/or carry 50‑75 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to stand and sit, in a chair and/or on the floor, for extended periods of time.
• Ability to perform bending, pushing/pulling, walking, running, kneeling, twisting, squatting, crouching, overhead and above‑shoulder reaching movements.
• Use of hands and fingers to operate standard office and student devices/equipment or classroom equipment.
• Ability to monitor and respond to students who elope from the classroom or school building, including moving quickly toward such students.
• Visual acuity to read and write printed materials and observe student activities.
• Auditory ability sufficient to hear conversations (with or without hearing aid).
• Must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.

Working Hours

The duty day for this position is 7.5 hours which includes an unpaid, thirty‑minute duty‑free lunch. The employee must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule and change of location as needed.

Compensation

This is a 10‑month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA‑ESP) employee unit. The position is salary Grade VI on the Secretaries and Assistants Salary Scale. Paraeducators working in TitleI Program Schools receive an additional $0.50 per hour. Pre‑K Paraeducators receive an additional $0.75 per hour.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. All employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to factors protected by federal, state or local laws.