Special Education Paraeducator

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

Job summary

IMDiversity is looking for a dedicated Special Education Paraeducator for St. Mary's County Public Schools in Lexington Park, Maryland. The role involves providing support to students with disabilities while collaborating with teachers and staff to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

This full-time ten-month position requires a high school diploma or GED and relevant educational credits or certifications. Salary is based on the EASMC-ESP schedule, ranging from $27,999 to $42,351.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• 48 college credits or relevant certification required.
• Experience working with children preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with developmental needs.
• Implement IEP/IFSP instructional plans.
• Collect data on academic/behavioral programs.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Collaboration with co-workers

Understanding of developmental needs

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Forty-eight semester college credits or passing Paraprofessional Assessment

Associate degree or CDA licensure (Pre-K)

Job description

Special Education Paraeducator

St. Mary's County Public Schools – Green Holly Elementary School, Lexington Park, Maryland

Job Details

• Job ID: 5739964
• Starting Date: Aug 18, 2026
• Position: Special Education Paraeducator
• Reports To: Site Administrator

Job Description

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 written and verbal instructions
• Work under pressure
• Possess knowledge of the programs, policies, and procedures of the St. Mary's County Public School System
• Maintain effective organizational skills
• Maintain effective written and oral communication skills

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist students with developmental needs with adaptive and daily living skills, including movement, toileting, feeding, dressing, self‑help, and positioning in adaptive equipment/devices
• Meet with the teacher regularly 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 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
• Assists teachers with record keeping
• Keep required materials readily available for follow‑up activities
• Operate and maintain equipment specific to the assigned area
• Assist teachers with preparation of classroom‑based materials, learning activities, and supports
• Accompany and support students to special area classes, related arts, lunch/recess, and field trips
• Perform 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

Employment Terms

• Full‑time ten‑month position

Salary

Based on the EASMC‑ESP salary schedule for ten‑month seven‑hour employees – Range 9 ($27,999 to $42,351). Effective August 18, 2026.

Other Information

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: EASMC‑ESP

Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Note: Curriculum or Pre‑K requirements for associate degree, CDA licensure, or public Pre‑K experience have specific deadlines as listed above.