Special Education Paraeducator

IMDiversity; Great Mills (MD); On-site; USD 27,999 - 42,351; Full time

Job summary

IMDiversity is hiring a Special Education Paraeducator for St. Mary's County Public Schools in Great Mills, Maryland. This full-time position will support students with disabilities in implementing individualized education plans. Candidates should have a high school diploma, and preferred experience working with children.

The role includes assisting with daily living skills, collaborating with teachers, and maintaining safety standards. Starting salary ranges from $27,999 to $42,351 per year.

Qualifications

• Required: High School Diploma or GED.
• Required: Forty-eight (48) semester college credits or a passing score on Paraprofessional Assessments.
• Preferred: Experience working with children.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with adaptive and daily living skills.
• Meet regularly with the teacher to plan instructional programs.
• Implement student’s IEP/IFSP protocols.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Technology use

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Forty-eight (48) semester college credits

Job description

Position Summary

Special Education Paraeducator – St. Mary's County Public Schools – Greenview Knolls Elementary School, Great Mills, Maryland.

Job Details

Job ID: 5723845

Starting Date: Immediately

Effective: August 2026

Full‑time, ten‑month position.

Salary: $27,999 to $42,351 per year (EASMC-ESP salary schedule, Range 9).

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

• Professionally relate to and collaborate with co‑workers, students, and community members.
• Understand and maintain confidentiality.
• Use technology effectively to complete tasks.
• Report to work daily and on time.
• Work independently.
• Follow both written and verbal instructions.
• 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

• Assist 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.
• Meet with the teacher on a regular basis to plan for and review instructional programs.
• Implement instructional/behavioral plans and protocols in accordance with the student’s IEP/IFSP.
• Collect data on academic/behavioral programs as directed by the special education teacher and school-based/county-based administrators.
• Provide instructional/behavioral/self‑help assistance to students as necessary throughout the school day.
• Possess and maintain CPI certifications when assigned to regional programs (COMPASS, TIDES, SAIL, LAP, PSSE, and Infants & Toddlers).
• Maintain appropriate safety standards while assisting students during arrival and departure times.
• Assist the teacher and/or other professionals in record keeping.
• Keep required materials readily available for follow‑up activities.
• Operate and maintain equipment specific to their assigned area.
• Assist teachers with preparation of classroom-based materials, appropriate learning activities and supports.
• Accompany and support students to special areas, classes, related arts, lunch/recess, and field trips.
• Perform other related and unrelated job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required: High School Diploma or GED.
• Required: Forty‑eight (48) semester college credits or a passing score on one of the following Paraprofessional Assessments: ParaPro (prior to August 2026), ParaPathways –5757, Foundations of Classroom Support – 517, Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction – 519.
• Required (by July 1, 2027) for all Pre‑K/Preschool Paraeducators: Associate’s degree in early childhood or a related field OR Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate OR have worked for five years in a publicly funded Pre‑K before June 30, 2024, with effective evaluations.
• Preferred: Related college classes or training; experience working with children.

Term

Full‑time, ten‑month position.

Other Details

• Salary grade range: EASMC-ESP salary schedule, Range 9.
• Bargaining unit eligibility: EASMC-ESP.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.
• Updated 07.2024, 5.2025, 2.2026.