Special Education Paraeducator

Spring Ridge Middle School

Lexington Park (MD)

On-site

USD 28,000 - 42,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Spring Ridge Middle School in Lexington Park, Maryland is seeking a Special Education Paraeducator to support students with disabilities and implement IEP/IFSP plans. The role works under a building administrator and classroom teacher, with CPI certifications as needed.

The position is full-time for ten months with a salary based on the EASMC-ESP schedule (Range 9), starting October 2026. Competitive benefits accompany the role in a collaborative school environment.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED is required.
Forty-eight (48) college credits OR passing score on paraprofessional assessments (ParaPro or equivalent).
Pre-K paraeducators may require additional credentials (associate degree or CDA) or substantial experience.
Experience working with students with disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists students with developmental needs and daily living skills.
Meets with the teacher to plan and review instructional programs.
Implements IEP/IFSP-based instructional and behavioral plans.
Collects data on academic/behavioral progress as directed.
Provides instructional/behavioral/self-help support during the school day.
Maintains CPI certifications when assigned to regional programs.
Ensures safety during arrivals, departures, and activities.
Assists with toileting, diapering, and related needs as required.
Helps teachers with record keeping and preparing instructional materials.
Accompanies students to classes and field trips and supports related activities.

Skills

Confidentiality

Technology proficiency

Time management

Written and oral communication

Collaboration

Attendance reliability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

48 college credits or paraprofessional assessments

Pre-K paraeducator credentials (associate degree or CDA or 5 years Pre-K exp.)

Tools

CPI certifications

Job description

Special Education Paraeducator

St. Mary's County Public Schools Spring Ridge Middle School - Lexington Park, Maryland Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Application Deadline: Oct 14, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Release Date: September 30, 2026 Application Deadline: October 14, 2026

Requisition: 12545

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: Spring Ridge Middle 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

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 degree OR CDA licensure by July 1, 2027, OR 5 years of publicly funded Pre-K experience prior to July 1, 2024

Preferred: