PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL - SOUTHAMPTON ROAD SCHOOL

Young World Physical Education; Westfield (MA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

A public school system is hiring a Preschool Special Education Paraprofessional at Southampton Road School. Responsibilities include assisting students with physical tasks, reinforcing learning, and maintaining supportive relationships. Ideal candidates should possess an associate's degree or have completed 48 credit hours in higher education; a passion for education and emotional maturity are essential. This role involves working closely with students and teachers to foster a nurturing educational environment. Competitive hourly wage offered.

Qualifications

• Possession of Associates degree or higher is necessary.
• Demonstrated interest in children and education is crucial.
• Evidence of emotional maturity for specialized work.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with physical tasks and learning.
• Support teacher strategies for individual student needs.
• Supervise students during activities and drills.

Skills

Interest in children and education

Emotional maturity and stability

Communication skills

Education

Associates degree or higher

48 credit hours from higher education institution

Job description

PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL - SOUTHAMPTON ROAD SCHOOL

Job Details

Job ID: 5592751

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Mar 18, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $18 to $28 Per Hour

Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Westfield Public Schools seeks qualified applicants for the following vacancy at Southampton Road School: PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL.

Job Summary

• Assist the student(s) to whom assigned in such physical tasks as putting on and taking off of clothing, moving from room to room, using the lavatory, feeding and so on.
• Works with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assists the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests and abilities.
• Establishes as fully as possible a supportive and sympathetic relationship with the student(s) without fostering or encouraging intense emotional involvement.
• Assists with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, and field trips.
• Assists teacher in duties relating to the supervision of playground, lavatories, cafeteria, and bus loading activities.
• Assists with lunch, snack and clean-up routines.
• Participates in in-service training programs.
• Any other duties as assigned by the building principal or the Superintendent of Schools.

Reports to: Building Principal

Terms of employment will be commensurate with the Westfield Public Schools Unit D contract.

Performance on this job will be in accordance with the Westfield School Committee policy on evaluation.

This position subject to funding.

Welcome to Southampton Road School

Our school educates approximately three hundred students in grades K-4 in a safe and nurturing environment. At Southampton Road School we strive to individually empower students to grow to their fullest potential both personally and academically. Our learning community is comprised of a knowledgeable and caring staff who welcome family and community involvement.

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of Associates degree or higher; or 48 credit hours from higher education institution; or passage of the ParaPro or Work Keys assessment must be completed within three years of hire.
• Demonstrated interest in children and education.
• Evidence of the emotional maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work involved.
• Ability to communicate and work successfully with staff and students.

Additional Requirements

Work is generally conducted within school building. Ability to travel throughout the school building is necessary. Position involves sitting and the ability to travel from one place to another within the classroom. Work is light in nature with regular lifting of up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds with some pulling and pushing or reaching above, generally of desk and file drawers. Frequent use of hands to operate keyboards and telephones and other office equipment. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job.

Westfield Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

• At least 1 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Associate degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Application Questions

• 1. Please explain how your past personal and professional experience make you a quality candidate to be an instructional assistant in an elementary school classroom. Short Essay (Answer limited to 600 characters, including spaces)
• 2. How do you build positive relationships with students and colleagues? Short Essay (Answer limited to 600 characters, including spaces)

Contact Information

• Mary Kate Ritchie , Principal
• 330 Southampton Road
• Westfield, Massachusetts 01085
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]