F

Specialized Para (176 days, 6.5 hours/day)

Freeport School District 145
Full-time
On-site
Illinois, United States

  • Position Type:
      Support Staff/Paraeducator

  • Date Posted:
      4/17/2025

  • Location:
      Carl Sandburg School

  •   

    TITLE: Specialized  Paraprofessional  

     

     

     

    QUALIFICATIONS: High School diploma.

     

    Associate degree or 60 college credit hours or pass the ETS (Educational Testing
      Service) ParaPRO Assessment Test

     

    Educator License with Stipulations (ELS) with a Paraprofessional Endorsement

     

    Experience and training to work effectively with at-risk students

     

    Evidence of emotional stability and maturity

     

     

     

    REPORTS TO: SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

     

    SUPERVISOR: SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

     

    JOB GOAL:  Responsible for working with special education students on a daily basis, providing physical, emotional, academic support and assisting students in accessing the district’s special education program.

                          

    Inputs 

     

    (activities done by the position/ how they spend their time/ daily schedule

    Evidence

     

    (what can we see as a result of the daily schedule - logs, data book, quarterly reports, calendar) 

    Outcomes

     

    (what happens for students - attendance, test scores, Panorama scores - how do we know this position is getting good ROI?)

    1. Individualized Student Support

     

       - Provide one-on-one or small group support to students with IEPs

     

       - Implement specific interventions and accommodations as outlined in IEPs

     

       - Assist students with academic tasks, behavior management, and social skills

     

       - Support students' use of assistive technology or specialized equipment

     

    2. IEP Implementation

     

       - Review and understand the IEPs of assigned students

     

       - Track minutes of support provided to each student as specified in their IEP

     

       - Collaborate with special education teachers to ensure proper implementation of IEP goals

     

       - Assist in collecting data on student progress towards IEP goals as directed by teacher. 

     

    3. Classroom Assistance

     

       - Support lead teachers in adapting classroom activities for students with IEPs

     

       - Help maintain a positive and inclusive learning environment

     

       - Assist with classroom management, focusing on students with special needs

     

       - Facilitate peer interactions and support social integration of students with IEPs

     

    4. Behavior Management

     

       - Implement behavior intervention plans as specified in IEPs

     

       - Use positive behavior support strategies tailored to individual student needs

     

       - Assist in managing crisis situations or challenging behaviors

     

       - Document behavioral incidents and interventions as required

     

    5. Communication and Collaboration

     

       - Maintain regular communication with special education teachers and general education teachers

     

       - Participate in IEP meetings and provide input on student progress upon request

     

       - Communicate with parents/guardians as directed by supervising teachers. 

     

       - Collaborate with other paraprofessionals and support staff

     

    6. Documentation and Record Keeping

     

       - Maintain accurate records of support minutes provided to each student

     

       - Document student progress and observations for IEP progress reports as directed. 

     

       - Ensure confidentiality of student information and records

     

    7. Professional Development

     

       - Attend required training sessions on special education laws and practices

     

       - Participate in workshops on specific interventions or disabilities as required. 

     

       - Stay current with best practices in supporting students with special needs

     

       - Seek guidance and support from supervising teachers to improve skills

     

    8. Student Care and Safety

     

       - Assist students with personal care needs as specified in their IEPs

     

       - Ensure safety of students during all school activities

     

       - Administer first aid as trained and directed

     

       - Be aware of and responsive to individual student health concerns

     

    1. Student Support Documentation

     

       - Detailed logs of support minutes provided to each student

     

       - Records of interventions and accommodations implemented

     

       - Progress notes on student achievements and challenges

     

    2. IEP Implementation Records

     

       - Checklists or tracker sheets showing adherence to IEP requirements.

     

       - Data collection sheets on student progress towards IEP goals as directed. 

     

    3. Behavior Management Artifacts

     

       - Completed behavior incident reports

     

       - Documentation of positive behavior interventions used

     

       - Progress tracking for behavior intervention plans

     

    4. Communication Logs

     

       - Records of interactions with teachers, parents, and other staff

     

       - Notes from parent-teacher conferences.

     

       - Emails or messages coordinating student support if applicable. 

     

    5. Educational Materials

     

       - Adapted classroom materials for students with special needs

     

       - Visual aids or communication tools created for specific students

     

       - Organized files of individualized learning resources

     

    6. Professional Development Records

     

       - Certificates of completion for relevant training sessions

     

       - Notes from workshops and professional learning communities

     

       - Self-assessment and goal-setting documents for skill improvement

     

    7. Student Care Logs

     

       - Records of personal care assistance provided

     

       - Incident reports related to student health or safety


     
     

    1. Student Achievement

     

       - Improved academic performance of students with IEPs

     

       - Increased student participation in classroom activities

     

       - Enhanced ability of students to meet their individualized goals

     

    2. IEP Compliance and Effectiveness

     

       - Higher rates of successful IEP implementation

     

       - More accurate tracking and reporting of student progress

     

       - Increased effectiveness of IEP strategies due to consistent application

     

    3. Inclusive Education

     

       - Greater integration of students with special needs in general education settings

     

       - Improved peer relationships and social skills for students with IEPs

     

       - Enhanced overall classroom culture of inclusivity and diversity

     

    4. Behavior and Social-Emotional Growth

     

       - Reduced frequency and severity of behavioral incidents

     

       - Improved self-regulation and coping skills among students with IEPs

     

       - Increased emotional well-being and self-esteem of supported students

     

    5. Communication and Collaboration

     

       - Stronger partnerships between general education and special education staff

     

       - Improved home-school communication regarding student progress

     

       - More cohesive and coordinated approach to supporting students with special needs

     

    6. Individualized Learning

     

       - Better tailored educational experiences for students with diverse needs

     

       - Increased use of assistive technology and specialized learning tools

     

       - More effective differentiation of instruction in inclusive classrooms

     

    7. Data-Driven Decision Making

     

       - More informed IEP development and revision processes

     

       - Better allocation of support resources based on accurate data

     

       - Improved ability to demonstrate student growth and program effectiveness

     

    8. Staff Development

     

       - Enhanced skills and knowledge among paraprofessionals in special education

     

       - Increased job satisfaction and retention of support staff

     

       - More effective teamwork between teachers and paraprofessionals

     

    9. School Culture

     

       - Heightened awareness and acceptance of diverse learning needs

     

       - Improved overall school climate regarding inclusion and support

     

       - Increased parent and community satisfaction with special education services

     

    10. Student Independence

     

        - Greater development of self-advocacy skills among students with IEPs

     

        - Improved transition readiness for students moving to next educational levels

     

        - Increased student confidence in navigating academic and social challenges

     

    TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 176 day Classified position with salary and hours to be established by the Board of Education. 6.5 hours per day

     

    EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions     established by the Board of Education.

     

    SALARY RANGE: In accordance with the USW (United Steelworkers) Negotiated Agreement. Starting wage $16.28/hour. 

     

     

     

    This job description has been reviewed and is in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.