Primary Purpose:
The Structured Learning Environment Paraprofessional manages specialized instructional programs for students with challenging behavior. The primary goal is to assist in maintaining a safe, supportive, and structured environment, promoting positive behavior and academic success for students with emotional or behavioral challenges.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
Have met formal academic assessment, associate degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning*
Valid Texas educational aide certificate
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Ability to work with students with pervasive disruptive behavior
Ability to work well with children
Ability to communicate effectively
Experience:
Some experience working with children
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Instructional Support
1. Collaborate and communicate with teachers, specialist, and administrators to support the academic and behavioral goals of students.
2. Provide small group and one on one instruction as needed.
3. Modify assignments and materials to meet student needs, under the direction of the teacher.
Behavioral Support
4. Manage student behavior in crisis situations.
5. Assist teachers with behavior management.
6. Support students in managing and de-escalating challenging behaviors using approved intervention strategies.
7. Assist in tracking and documenting student behavior for data collection and progress monitoring.
Supervision and Safety
8. Maintain a safe and structured classroom environment by keeping the room neat and orderly.
9. Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
10. Help supervise students throughout school day, inside and outside classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty if applicable.
11. Monitor students during transitions and ensure their safety during arrival, dismissal, and any off-campus activities.
12. Provide physical assistance to students in crisis situations, including restraining if necessary, according to district policy and safety guidelines.
13. Communicate with the classroom teacher regarding student progress, concerns and needs.
Other
14. Implement classroom management strategies to promote a positive learning environment, including use of positive reinforcement techniques.
15. Participate in faculty meeting and special events as assigned.
16. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment
Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Frequent walking
Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist non-ambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment
Environment: Work inside; may work outside; regular exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards
Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress
This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.