Special Education Paraeducator

IMDiversity; California (MD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Mary's County Public Schools in California, Maryland seeks a Special Education Paraeducator to support students with disabilities at Evergreen Elementary School.

The role follows IEP/IFSP plans and collaborates with teachers to deliver services during a ten-month school year. Starting September 2026, compensation aligns with the EASMC-ESP salary schedule (Range 9) for ten-month seven-hour employees, with a salary of $27,999 to $42,351 per year.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Forty-eight (48) college credits OR passing scores on Paraprofessional Assessments.
• For Pre-K paraeducators: associate degree or CDA/licensure or 5 years of publicly funded Pre-K experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with developmental needs and daily living skills.
• Meet with the teacher regularly to plan and review instructional programs.
• Implement instructional/behavioral plans per IEP/IFSP.
• Collect data on student progress as directed by teachers and administrators.
• Maintain safety and assist with classroom activities and field trips.

Job description

Special Education Paraeducator
St. Mary's County Public Schools
Evergreen Elementary School - California, Maryland

Job Details

• Job ID:5899253
• Starting Date:Immediately

Job Description

Requisition: 12483

Current benefited staff of SMCPS who submit a timely application and meet the minimum qualifications for the position shall be granted an interview and shall be considered to fill the vacancy prior to external applicants being considered. Questions regarding your application and/or candidacy should be directed to the Department of Human Resources.

Position: Special Education Paraeducator

Location: Evergreen Elementary School

Salary: The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees – Range 9. ($27,999-$42,351)

Effective: September 2026

NATURE OF WORK

The Special Education Paraeducator works under the direction of the building administrator, classroom teacher and other school/central office resource staff to provide services and support to students with disabilities and to support the full implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) /Individual and Family Service Plan (IFSP).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ability to professionally relate to and collaborate with co-workers, students, and community members
• Ability to understand and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to use technology effectively to complete tasks
• Ability to report to work daily and on time
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions
• Ability to work under pressure
• Possess knowledge of the programs, policies, and procedures of the St. Mary’s County Public School System
• Possess effective organizational skills
• Possess effective written and oral communication skills

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists students with developmental needs with adaptive and daily living skills, which may include movement, toileting, feeding, dressing, self-help, and positioning in adaptive equipment/devices
• Meets with the teacher on a regular basis to plan for and review instructional programs
• Implements instructional/behavioral plans and protocols in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Program/Individual and Family Service Plan
• Collects data on academic/behavioral programs as directed by the special education teacher and school-based/county-based administrators
• Provides instructional/behavioral/self-help assistance to students as necessary throughout the school day
• Possesses and maintains CPI certifications when assigned to regional programs (COMPASS, TIDES, SAIL, LAP, PSSE, and Infants & Toddlers)
• Attends to toileting and diapering needs of students enrolled in the program
• Maintains appropriate safety standards while assisting students during arrival and departure times
• Assists the teacher and/or other professionals in record keeping
• Keeps required materials readily available for follow-up activities
• Operates and maintains equipment specific to their assigned area
• Assists teachers with preparation of classroom-based materials, appropriate learning activities and supports
• Accompanies and supports students to special areas classes, related arts, lunch/recess, and field trips
• Performs other related and non-related job duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High School Diploma or GED
• Forty-eight (48) semester college credits OR a passing score on one of the following Paraprofessional Assessments (documents must be uploaded in application):
  ParaPro – prior to August 2026
  ParaPathways -5757
  Foundations of Classroom Support – 517
  Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction - 519
  For Pre-K paraeducators: must have an associate degree OR CDA licensure by July 1, 2027, OR 5 years of publicly funded Pre-K experience prior to July 1, 2024

Preferred

• Related college classes or training
• Experience working with children

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

Full-time ten-month position.

SALARY GRADE RANGE

The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees – Range 9.

BARGAINING UNIT ELIGIBILITY

EASMC-ESP

Updated

07.2024, 5.2025, 2.2026, 04.2026

Job Requirements

• Position Type:Full-Time
• Salary:$27,999 to $42,351 Per Year
• High School/Trade School degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required