Paraeducator - Special Education - Forest Lakes Elementary School - 2026 - 2027 School Year

HCPS Careers; Maryland; On-site; USD 28,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, Dental

Retirement & Pension

Paid time off

Life Insurance

Job summary

Harford County Public Schools is seeking a Paraeducator to support students with special needs at Forest Lakes Elementary School. This full-time, ten-month position works under the supervision of licensed staff to assist with instruction, data collection, and behavior support.

Candidates must meet education requirements (high school diploma or GED; higher degree or 48 college credits or ParaPro exam) and demonstrate strong verbal and interpersonal skills. Training in restraint is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; AA degree or higher preferred.
• 48 college credits with grade C or higher acceptable.
• Passing score on paraprofessional exams (ParaPro 455+ or equivalent).
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lift and transfer students up to 40 pounds.
• Experience with students with disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides support to students during instruction.
• Implements lesson plans with individuals or small groups.
• Works under teacher supervision to provide instruction.
• Assists with data collection, testing, and student assessment.
• Assists with implementation of IEP/IFSP as needed.
• Monitors behavior and applies behavioral strategies.
• Assists with personal care needs of students.
• Prepares instructional materials for classes.
• Participates in professional development.
• Supports students via digital platforms for instruction and assessment.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Restraint training

Student support

Disability awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

AA degree or higher

48 college credits

ParaPro exam passing score

Foundations of Classroom Support (517/519)

Job description

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

September 25, 2026

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.

PARAEDUCATOR – SPECIAL EDUCATION

Forest Lakes Elementary School

Lateral transfers of instructional personnel are not considered after August 1st.

To assist school staff with instructional programs, activities, and personal needs of 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: $28,482– Maximum Earnings Potential $47,769.
• Full salary schedules can be found at the bottom of 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
  • 48 college credits with grade "C" or higher; or
  • A passing score on a paraprofessional exam which include:
    • 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 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.

DEADLINE

Online employment applications will be accepted until filled. Applications received on or before October 2, 2026 will be given first consideration.

AFFIRMING EQUAL EMPLOYMENT IN PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE

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.