Paraprofessional II-A (SPED) Gifted

Topeka Public Schools USD 501; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 25,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Topeka Public Schools USD 501 is seeking a Para ll-A (Special Education Program and Instructional Support) to assist certified staff and support students with disabilities. The role focuses on daily instructional support, data recording, and collaboration with teachers to ensure successful student learning outcomes.

Responsibilities include assisting with therapy procedures, classroom activities, and transitions, while maintaining records and communicating with families and staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency; 48 hours of college coursework or equivalency exam if assigned to a Title I school.
• Ability to complete 20 hours annual in-service training.
• Conscientiously accept and follow direction.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily instruction and training.
• Assist students in achieving their individual objectives.
• Provide assistance with activities such as dressing, eating, toileting and grooming.
• Record/chart student data and maintain records.
• Monitor students for changes requiring medication.
• Tutor students individually and in groups.
• Set up equipment for testing and learning.
• Communicate effectively with patrons and students.
• Assist with behavior control and attendance data collection.
• Assist with transitions and integration of students into learning environments.
• Attend meetings and coordinate with staff and parents.

Skills

Typing & word processing

Office machinery

General bookkeeping

Computers & learning software

Communication & interpersonal skills

Good judgment

In-service training 20h/yr

Education

High school diploma or equivalency; 48 college hours if Title I

Tools

Learning assistance software

Job description

Title: Para ll-A (Special Education Program and Instructional Support)

Reports To: Certified Faculty/Administrator

Supervises: NA

Position Purpose: To insure the successful learning of exceptional students by providing and facilitating quality support to programs and personnel

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency; possess 48 hours of college coursework or equivalency exam if assigned to a Title I school.
• Ability to successfully accomplish/complete 20 hours annual in-service training
• Conscientiously accept and follow direction
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Exhibit sound judgment
• Skills in:
  • Typing and word processing
  • Operating general office machinery
  • Performing general bookkeeping
  • Operating a computer
  • Operating and maintaining learning assistance software
• Fundamental understanding of special education students
• Adaptable to variety of situations

Physical/Emotional Requirements: (The incumbent may be required to use the below requirements during any part of the working day.) Speaking, hearing, manual dexterity (coordination of eye/hand for such activities as typing, calculating, word processing, and the like), Bending/stooping, sitting, walking, standing, lifting(up to 50lbs.) Some positions will require the ability to provide physical assistance and personal care for students with various disabilities.

Performance Responsibilities:

Assignments vary by location, programs, and students served. The position requires the ability and willingness to work with students receiving gifted services or having disabilities ranging from mild to sever.

Each para will be assigned to workin one or moreof the followingenvironment(s).

• Work with an individual professional and/or student throughout the day
• Work as a team member (composed of paras and certified professionals).
• Under the direction of a certified faculty member, work individually with varied students throughout the day
• Work as a team with varied groups of students throughout the day

Listed below are a variety of expectations which may be assigned by the certified supervisor. This is a representative list and is not meant to be all inclusive. As assigned:

• Assist in daily instruction and training
• Assist students in achieving their individual objectives
• Provide assistance and care in such activities as dressing, eating, drinking, toileting and grooming
• Record/chart student data
• Assist in restraining students
• Monitor students for changes which require medication
• Tutor children individually and in groups
• Set up equipment for testing and learning
• Communicate effectively with patrons and students
• Assist students with therapy procedures initiated by the certified supervisor
• Perform liaison duties between staff and parents
• Conduct home visits
• Assist families in accessing available community resources
• Assist in obtaining emergency services such as clothing, food, medical services, etc
• Monitor students and provide assistance for in‑school suspension, lunchroom, recess, field trip and hall supervision
• Under the direction of a certified staff member, monitor library/learning centers, laboratories and equipment
• Assist students with therapy procedures initiated by the certified supervisor
• Administer, score and record achievement and diagnostic tests under the supervision of a certified faculty member
• Type, organize, duplicate, distribute/file correspondence, reports, tests, testing materials
• Prepare and maintain records and reports
• Transcribe taped information
• Complete record forms including histories, needs, and problems and recommended action
• Operate and care for assigned equipment
• Perform general bookkeeping tasks including the collection and recording of collected money
• Answer phone, provide information when appropriate, relay messages, set up appointments
• Assist school personnel, parents and students in the successful transition and integration of students into the proper learning environment(s)
• Organize and/or schedule conferences
• Assist in implementing plans by notifying, scheduling, coordinating, and presenting information
• Assist with behavior control as needed
• Assist with attendance, data collection and graphing
• Receive, sort, process and distributes equipment, materials and mail
• Attend professional development meetings, and other meetings as assigned

Terms of Employment:

9 months; salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education.

Evaluation:

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the board policy on evaluation of Paraprofessional Personnel

Significant associations:

The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor