Paraprofessional

Exploration Elementary Charter School for Science and Technology; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Exploration Elementary Charter School for Science and Technology is seeking a Paraprofessional to support students with behavioral and emotional needs. The role collaborates with classroom teachers, special education staff, and the wellness team to implement behavior plans and model positive behavior in a structured, safe environment.

The position requires facilitating deescalation, monitoring progress with data, and providing consistent structure throughout transitions and daily activities.

Qualifications

• Experience working with elementary-aged students with behavioral, emotional, or developmental challenges.
• Knowledge of PBIS, restorative practices, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Ability to stay calm, patient, and consistent in high-stress situations.
• Strong communication and collaboration with staff, students, and families.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and inquiry-based learning.
• Ability to implement deescalation and crisis response techniques safely and effectively.
• Comfort with using technology for data collection and communication.
• Capacity for reflection, flexibility, and ongoing professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Support individual students or small groups in meeting behavioral and academic goals per IEPs or BIPs.
• Implement deescalation and crisis-intervention strategies as directed.
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and school leadership to monitor progress.
• Reinforce social-emotional learning and coping skills throughout the day.
• Maintain accurate documentation of incidents, interventions, and progress.
• Provide consistent structure and predictability for students needing behavioral support.
• Supervise students during transitions and non-classroom settings.
• Assist with emotional regulation, task completion, and peer interactions.
• Model calm, respectful communication and restorative problem-solving.
• Support teachers in maintaining a positive and safe learning environment.
• Communicate with student support teams and participate in behavior planning meetings.
• Use behavior tracking tools or digital systems for progress reporting.
• Participate in staff training on trauma-informed care and positive behavior supports.

Skills

PBIS knowledge

Restorative practices

Trauma-informed approach

Deescalation techniques

Communication with families

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree in education, psychology, social work, or related field

NY Teaching Assistant Certification

Fingerprint clearance

First aid and CPR certification

Job description

Job Title: Paraprofessional

Organization: Exploration Elementary Charter School for Science and Technology

Reports To: Director of Academics

Duration: 10-Month Position

Position Summary

The Paraprofessional provides direct support to students with social, emotional, and behavioral needs to ensure they can successfully participate in the academic and social life of the school. This role involves collaborating with classroom teachers, special education staff, and the wellness team to implement behavior intervention plans, model positive behavior strategies, and maintain a structured, safe, and supportive environment.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Support individual students or small groups in meeting behavioral and academic goals as outlined in IEPs or behavior intervention plans (BIPs).


• Implement deescalation and crisisintervention strategies as trained and directed by school staff.


• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and school leadership to monitor behavior data and student progress.


• Reinforce socialemotional learning skills and coping strategies throughout the school day.


• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of behavioral incidents, interventions, and student progress.


• Provide consistent structure and predictability for students needing additional behavioral support.


• Supervise students during transitions, arrival, dismissal, recess, lunch, and other nonclassroom settings.


• Assist students in managing emotional regulation, task completion, and peer interactions.


• Model calm, respectful communication and restorative problemsolving strategies.


• Support classroom teachers by helping maintain a positive and safe learning environment.


• Communicate regularly with the student support team and participate in meetings related to behavior planning.


• Use behavior tracking tools or digital systems for monitoring and reporting progress.


• Participate in staff training and professional development focused on traumainformed care, restorative practices, and positive behavior supports.


• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal or Lead Teacher.

Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience working with elementaryaged students exhibiting behavioral, emotional, or developmental challenges.


• Knowledge of positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), restorative practices, and traumainformed approaches.


• Ability to remain calm, patient, and consistent in highstress situations.


• Strong communication and collaboration skills with staff, students, and families.


• Commitment to the school's mission of equity, inclusion, and inquirybased learning.


• Ability to implement deescalation and crisis response techniques effectively and safely.


• Comfort with using technology for data collection and communication.


• Capacity for reflection, flexibility, and ongoing professional growth.

Qualifications Profile (Education And Certifications)

• High School diploma or equivalent required.


• Associate's degree in education, psychology, social work, or a related field preferred.


• Valid New York State Teaching Assistant Certification preferred.


• Crisis intervention certification (e.g., CPI, TCI) preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire.


• Fingerprint clearance from the NYS Department of Education required.


• First aid and CPR certification preferred.

Experience

• Prior experience supporting students with behavioral or emotional disabilities in an urban school or similar setting is preferred.


• Experience implementing or assisting with Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).


• Familiarity with restorative practices, SEL frameworks, or special education environments strongly desired.

Additional Details

The hiring process for this position will require a fingerprinted background check through the New York State TEACH System. Any written or verbal offer is contingent upon satisfactory results, as determined by NYSED and the HR/Director of Operations. Exploration Elementary Charter School does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status or disability. The school promotes diversity and provides equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities as required by law.