Special Education Paraeducator

Leonardtown High School; Leonardtown (MD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Mary’s County Public Schools Leonardtown High School in Leonardtown, MD, is hiring a Special Education Paraeducator for a ten-month, full-time position.

The role supports students with disabilities under supervision of teachers and administrators, implementing IEP/IFSP goals and maintaining a safe classroom environment. The salary follows the EASMC-ESP schedule (Range 9): $27,999 to $42,351 per year, effective October 2026.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Forty-eight (48) semester college credits OR a passing score on one paraprofessional assessment (ParaPro, ParaPathways, Foundations).
• Pre-K paraeducators: associate degree or CDA/licensure or 5 years of Pre-K experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with developmental needs and daily living skills.
• Plan with teachers to review instructional programs.
• Implement instructional/behavioral plans per IEP/IFSP.
• Collect data on student progress as directed by staff.
• Maintain safety and confidentiality at all times.
• Support students during activities and field trips.

Skills

Collaboration

Confidentiality

Technology use

Written and verbal communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

48 college credits orParaPro/ParaPathways/Foundations

Job description

St. Mary's County Public Schools Leonardtown High School - Leonardtown, Maryland Open in Google Maps

Special Education Paraeducator

St. Mary's County Public Schools Leonardtown High School - Leonardtown, Maryland Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in St. Mary's County Public Schools, Maryland

Job Details

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Release Date: September 21, 2026 Application Deadline: October 5, 2026

Requisition: 12519

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: Great Mills High 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: October 2026

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Qualified applicants,including current employees of St. Mary's County Public Schools,must complete a TalentEdonline application.In addition to the online application, any supporting documentation (unofficial transcript and/or copy of the certification, where applicable) must be scanned and uploaded to the TalentEd application. The online application and any support documentation must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications, including information about the applicant’s background, experience, and professional qualifications. Failure to submit all required documentation will result in your application being considered incomplete.Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the selection committee for review. All online applications must be completed no later than October 5, 2026. Following a screening of credentials, interviews will be scheduled. Please contact the Department of Human Resources with questions. (301-475-5511, ext. 32187)

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)
• Maintains appropriate safety standards while assisting students during arrival and departure times
• Attends to toileting and diapering needs of students enrolled in the program
• 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 degreeOR 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

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $27,999 to $42,351 Per Year

Job Requirements

• High School/Trade School degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Dale Farrell
• 23160 Moakley St. Ste 106
• Leonardtown, Maryland 20650
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]