Position:    Paraprofessional

Reports To:   Building Principal

Salary Schedule / Grade:   Refer to OAPSE Local 643 Salary Schedule

F.L.S.A Status:   Non-Exempt

SUMMARY

Dayton Public Schools is looking for Paraprofessionals to join our district. Under the general supervision of the building principal, paraprofessionals are to assist in the education and learning of our students.

The Dayton Way

• Support and maintain the District’s core principles in the areas of professionalism, curriculum, instruction, culture, and customer service
• Build confidence in students, parents, and guardians that academic achievement is attainable through high expectations and sustained effort.
• Build positive rapport and trust with families and community partners to facilitate their engagement in education efforts.
• Participate in district-organized professional development activities and seek out opportunities for self-development to improve instruction design and delivery skills.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions.  These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

• Assists the classroom teacher in making instructional materials or displays, such as charts, games, puzzles, and bulletin boards.
• Assists the classroom teacher in keeping accurate and appropriate records.
• Helps to maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment.
• Assists the classroom teacher with demonstrating, modeling or correcting student behavior.
• Helps students with social and independent skills.
• Assists students with care.
• Work with students with multiple disabilities.
• Assist with lifting and toilet needs.
• May assist with feeding needs.
• Stays with students at all times.
• Attends in-service meetings as may be requested.
• Maintains confidentiality of any educational experiences observed in the course of duty.
• Works cooperatively with all personnel in the program and building.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Paraprofessionals

• Under the general supervision of the Classroom Teacher, assist with small group instruction that reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assist the Classroom Teacher in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• Assists with classroom behavior management to minimize disruptions, ensures a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assist students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor and other non-instructional areas.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

Special Education Paraprofessionals

• Under the general supervision of the Classroom Teacher, assist students with special needs in all aspects of the classroom instruction to maximize inclusion and learning.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with daily activities.
• Assist students with toilet and/or changing needs.
• Assist students with feeding needs.
• Participate in the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process and serve as a resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• May be assigned as a one-on-one paraprofessional for a specific student. Will assist the student with daily needs and support the classroom as needed.
• Follows all applicable rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

Bus Paraprofessionals

• Under the general supervision of the School Bus Driver, assist students with seating, assistive devices, safety and behavior concerns.
• Assist in providing a safe, orderly and efficient transportation service to our students.
• Assist the driver with support as needed, both during routine activities and during emergencies.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

CORE BEHAVIORS & COMPETENCIES

Job-specific

• Coping with Stress = think critically and solve problems in difficult situations; capable of handling interruptions effectively
• Interpersonal Skills = successfully interact and engage with students, families, colleagues, administrators, and others; enjoy working with children
• Presentation Skills = creatively share information verbally and in writing to build interest and engage student learners; organize and present information in meaningful, easy-to-understand ways
• Adaptability and Flexibility = willingness to change methods and approaches as appropriate

QUALIFICATIONS

Verifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or have the legal right to work in the U.S.
• Current and valid State of Ohio Educational Aide Permit-Educational Aide (Only for Instructional Paraprofessionals and Special Education Paraprofessionals)
• Must pass Federal and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation background check in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code Section 3301-83-06
• High School diploma
• Associate’s degree from an accredited institution
• ParaPro Exam (if you don’t hold an Associate’s degree or higher)

Knowledge & Experience

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

• Ability to understand cognitively delayed and learning disabled students.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, and present information to students in a variety of formats.
• Demonstrated willingness and patience in working with students of varied abilities.
• Ability to operate a computer and utilize applicable software.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
• Experience working in an urban school district or working with urban education
• Ability and willingness to utilize technology in the enhancement of student learning
• Effective time management skills

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES/DEMANDS 

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, hear, see, read, speak, reach, stretch with hands and arms, crouch, kneel, stoop, and climb stairs
• Occasionally lift and/or move lightweight items up to 40 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Work is performed in a classroom setting
• Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue
• Work may be subject to frequent interruptions
• Potential exposure to disruptive parents and students
• Some assignments are subject to completion within strict timelines
• Periodic travel for meetings, professional development activities, and work assignments

 The Dayton Public School District provides equal educational and employment opportunities for all people without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, color, age, disability, religion, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, or affiliation with a union or professional organization.