Paraprofessional - Cognitively Impaired

Fitzgerald Public Schools; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Fitzgerald Public Schools seeks a Paraprofessional - CI for Westview Elementary School for the 2026-2027 school year. The role supports teachers by providing targeted instruction and assisting with behavioral, social, and emotional needs.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 60 college hours or a passing ParaPro assessment. Candidates should have experience with children and strong communication skills, with on-site work during regular hours.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent required.
• At least 60 semester hours or ETS ParaPro assessment with passing score of 460.
• Prior experience with children preferred.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, and staff.
• Ability to organize materials and time, keep neat records.
• Ability to work directly with students and provide direction.
• Sensitivity to the multi-ethnicity of students.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers in meeting instructional, behavioral, social-emotional needs (in-person).
• Provide small group and individualized instruction per IEP and guidance.
• Collect instructional and behavioral data.
• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans.
• Assist students with breaks for sensory/social needs.
• Communicate proactively with teachers about student issues and parent conversations.
• Respond to emails and calls from school leaders and teachers promptly.
• Assist during standardized testing and district/state processes.
• Prepare daily lesson materials and copies (print or electronic).
• Distribute food, supplies, and equipment including technology.
• Monitor student movement within the building.
• Assist with classroom cleanup, sanitation, and safety.
• Support staff with safe transitions between locations.
• Assist students with healthcare procedures and mobility as needed.
• Assist with assistive technology devices for communication and seating.
• Engage in professional development on-site.
• Maintain prompt, regular attendance on-site during business hours.

Skills

Following instructions

Communication

Organization

Student interaction

Attendance

Education

High school diploma

60 college hours or ParaPro

Job description

NOTICE OF OPENING: Paraprofessional - CI

LOCATION: Westview Elementary School

WORK YEAR: 2026-2027 School Year

SALARY: Per 2654 Contract

• High School graduate or equivalent required;
• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours) or ETS ParaPro Assessment. A passing score of 460 is required;
• Previous work with children;
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions;
• Ability to effectively communicate with students, parents, and staff;
• Ability to organize materials and time efficiently and to keep neat, accurate records;
• Ability to work directly with students in an appropriate and professional manner and to give direction as needed;
• Display sensitivity to the multi-ethnicity of students.

NOTICE OF OPENING: Paraprofessional - CI

LOCATION: Westview Elementary School

WORK YEAR: 2026-2027 School Year

SALARY: Per 2654 Contract

Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent required;
• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours) or ETS ParaPro Assessment. A passing score of 460 is required;
• Previous work with children;
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions;
• Ability to effectively communicate with students, parents, and staff;
• Ability to organize materials and time efficiently and to keep neat, accurate records;
• Ability to work directly with students in an appropriate and professional manner and to give direction as needed;
• Display sensitivity to the multi-ethnicity of students.

Responsibilities And Duties Include

• Supports teachers in meeting the instructional, educational, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students in the classroom (in-person) and community.
• Provides small group and individualized instruction to students per the student's IEP and the supervising teacher's lesson plans and guidance.
• Collects instructional and behavioral data.
• Implements Behavior Intervention Plans
• Assists students who take scheduled breaks for sensory and/or social emotional needs.
• Communicate proactively with teachers to inform them of student issues and conversations with parents.
• Responds to emails and phone calls from school leaders and teachers in a timely manner.
• Assists during standardized testing to support state and local testing processes and policies.
• Assists with preparing daily lesson plan materials and makes copies of materials for students (print or electronic).
• Assists with distributing food, supplies, materials, and equipment, including technology.
• When in a school-based learning environment, monitor students' movement throughout the building to other classrooms, learning areas, and cafeteria.
• Assists students with classroom clean up and wiping down surfaces to uphold sanitation standards as required for safe school environment.
• Assists administrators and other staff members in the orderly, expedient and safe transition of students from one location to another.
• Assists students with physical needs as necessary, including feeding, toileting, lifting, and mobility.
• Assists students with healthcare procedures
• Assists students with assistive technology devices, including communication devices, switches and orthopedic devices needed for sitting, walking, or standing.
• Engages in professional learning opportunities in-person.
• Have prompt, regular attendance in-person and be available to work on-site, in-person during regular business hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representative.