Special Education Paraeducator

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

Job summary

St. Mary’s County Public Schools, Park Hall Elementary School, Park Hall, Maryland, is seeking a Special Education Paraeducator for a full‑time ten‑month position. You will support students with disabilities and assist with IEP/IFSP implementation, documentation, and instructional activities.

The role requires collaboration with teachers and staff, strong communication and confidentiality, and the ability to manage tasks in a dynamic school environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• 48 college credits OR a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment (e.g., ParaPro, ParaPathways, Foundations of Classroom Support).
• For Pre-K paraeducators: associate degree OR CDA licensure OR 5 years of publicly funded Pre-K experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with developmental needs with daily living skills and positioning.
• Meet with the teacher regularly to plan and review instructional programs.
• Implement instructional/behavioral plans per IEP/IFSP.
• Collect data on academic/behavioral programs as directed by teachers and administrators.
• Provide instructional, behavioral, and self-help assistance during the school day.
• Maintain CPI certifications when assigned to regional programs.
• Ensure safety during arrival and departure times.
• Assist with record keeping and materials for follow-up activities.
• Accompany and support students to classes, lunch/recess, and field trips.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Confidentiality

Technology proficiency

Time management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

48 college credits or paraprofessional assessment

Pre-K requirements: associate degree or CDA/licensure or 5 years Pre-K experience

Job description

Special Education Paraeducator — St. Mary's County Public Schools, Park Hall Elementary School, Park Hall, Maryland

Salary

Range: $27,999 to $42,351 for a ten‑month, seven‑hour position. Effective: August 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 facilitate the full implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 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 St. Mary’s County Public School System’s programs, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain effective organizational skills.
• Possess 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 per the student’s Individualized Education Program/Individual and Family Service Plan.
• Collect data on academic/behavioral programs as directed by the special education teacher and administrators.
• Provide instructional, behavioral, and 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 the assigned area.
• Assist teachers with preparation of classroom‑based materials, appropriate 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.

Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Term of Employment

Full‑time ten‑month position.

Salary Grade Range

Based on the EASMC‑ESP salary schedule for ten‑month, seven‑hour employees – Range 9.

Legal Notice

The St. Mary’s County Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status or sexual orientation, religion, or disability in matters affecting employment or providing access to programs.