Special Education Paraeducator - 2 Positions

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

Job summary

St. Mary's County Public Schools seeks a Special Education Paraeducator to support students with disabilities at Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School in Leonardtown, Maryland.

This ten-month, full-time position offers a salary range based on the EASMC-ESP schedule (Range 9) and starts August 2026. The role provides instructional and behavioral support, collaborates with teachers, and ensures safety and confidentiality in daily activities.

Qualifications

• Must have High School Diploma or GED.
• Forty-eight (48) semester college credits OR a passing score on one paraprofessional assessment (ParaPro, ParaPathways, Foundations).
• For Pre-K paraeducators: associate degree OR CDA licensure OR 5 years of publicly funded Pre-K experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with developmental needs and daily living skills.
• Meet regularly with the teacher to plan and review instructional programs.
• Implement instructional/behavioral plans per IEP/IFSP.
• Collect data on academic/behavioral programs as directed.
• Provide instructional/behavioral/self-help assistance throughout the day.
• Maintain CPI certifications when assigned to regional programs.

Skills

Professional communication

Confidentiality

Technology usage

Punctuality

Independent work

Instructional support

Education

High School Diploma or GED

48 college credits or paraprofessional credential options

Pre-K qualifier: associate degree or CDA/licensure or 5 years public funding experience

Job description

Special Education Paraeducator - 2 Positions

St. Mary's County Public Schools

Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School - Leonardtown, Maryland

Job Details

Job ID:5838938

Starting Date:Aug 18, 2026

Job Description

Requisition

12370/12333

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

Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary 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:

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 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
• 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