Special Education Paraeducator, Full-time

$37,440 - $45,760/Yr

St Vrain Community Montessori School - Longmont, CO

Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Longmont, CO

Educational Services

About the position

St. Vrain Community Montessori School is seeking a dedicated Special Education Paraeducator (Guide) to support students with diverse learning needs in a full-time capacity. This role is essential in assisting students by reinforcing learning skills throughout their daily schedules, promoting appropriate school behavior, and encouraging independence in meeting their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. The Special Education Paraeducator will work with students ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade, each with varying levels of needs, and must demonstrate flexibility in moving between different students and assignments as determined by the administration. The ideal candidate will possess an Associate Degree or have passed a State Approved Assessment, along with a minimum of two years of experience working in a school setting, particularly with children who have various learning and physical disabilities. CPR and First Aid certifications are required. The role demands strong communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to collaborate effectively with staff and teachers, and the capacity to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural and socio-economically diverse environment. Confidentiality, safety awareness, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are also critical characteristics for success in this position. In addition to supporting classroom activities, the Special Education Paraeducator will monitor students for safety during various school activities, assist in collecting and entering student performance data, and implement appropriate behavioral techniques tailored to the needs of special needs children. The role may also involve providing physical care for students, including assistance with personal hygiene and mobility, ensuring that all students can participate fully in their educational experience. Regular participation in staff meetings and ongoing training is expected, along with engagement in community-building events.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in classroom activities and during Distance Learning.
• Support teacher instruction and monitor students for safety during recess, field trips, and lunch.
• Move with children between floor, child-sized tables, and standing activities.
• Collect and enter student performance data and maintain records.
• Implement appropriate behavioral techniques for special needs children individually.
• Enable students to become as independent as possible in their ability to perform required tasks.
• Aid students in maintaining appropriate composure and behavior in class.
• Provide physical care for children, including lifting children from wheelchairs and assisting with other physical transitions, if necessary.
• Assist with the personal care and needs of students, including hygiene, feeding, toileting, and/or following health/dietary plans, if necessary.
• Participate in regular staff meetings and ongoing in-service training.
• Attend and participate in SVCMS Events, including Parent Visiting, Parent Education Events, and Community Building Events.

Requirements

• Associate Degree or have passed State Approved Assessment.
• Two or more years of experience working with students in a school setting, particularly with children with various learning and physical disabilities.
• CPR/First Aid Certification as required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal relations skills.
• Ability to collaborate with staff and teachers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural, socio-economically diverse setting.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to promote and follow Board policies, building, and department procedures.
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace and follow safety rules.
• Ability to relate sensitively and joyfully to children and adults.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as telephones, copier, fax machine, email, etc.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with word processing, spreadsheets, Google Docs, etc.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in Montessori pedagogy and methods.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance