Special Education Paraeducator

St. Mary's County Public Schools; Lexington Park (MD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Mary's County Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Paraeducator for Spring Ridge Middle School in Lexington Park, Maryland. The role supports students with disabilities and helps implement IEP/IFSP plans under the guidance of teachers and administrators.

Starting Oct 2026, the position is full-time for ten months with a salary based on the EASMC-ESP schedule (Range 9). Candidates should meet the Paraeducator credential requirements and have reliable, confidential, and professional

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• 48 college credits OR passing score on Paraprofessional Assessments (ParaPro, ParaPathways, Foundations of Classroom Support/Instruction).

Responsibilities

• Assist students with developmental needs, including daily living skills and positioning.
• Meet regularly with the teacher to plan and review instructional programs.
• Implement instructional/behavioral plans per IEP/IFSP.
• Collect data on academic and behavioral programs as directed.
• Provide instructional/behavioral/self-help assistance during the school day.
• Maintain CPI certifications when assigned to regional programs.
• Maintain safety during arrival and departure times.
• Attend to toileting and diapering needs as required.
• Assist with record keeping and materials preparation.
• Accompany students to classes, lunch/recess, and field trips.

Skills

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Technology usage

Dependability

Independent work

Follow instructions

Pressure handling

Program knowledge

Organizational skills

Written communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

48 college credits or ParaPro/other assessments

Job description

Special Education Paraeducator

St. Mary's County Public Schools

Spring Ridge Middle School - Lexington Park, Maryland

Job Details

Job ID:5945807

Starting Date:Immediately

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

• 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