Preschool Special Education Paraprofessional

Title: Special Education Paraprofessional Date: 2026-2027

Reports To: Instructional Support Teacher FLSA Status:Non-Exempt

POSITION OBJECTIVE: To serve as a paraprofessional in a special education classroom
administering teacher and/or therapist’s developed lessons to students with special needs in
both individual and small group settings. Data collection, documenting student progress, and
other classroom clerical and/or organizational tasks are required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Carry out teacher-developed lesson plans.

• Carry out teacher-developed Individualized Educational Programs in certain areas of the curriculum.

• Keep accurate daily data for individual lessons.• Carry out teacher-developed behavior management plans.

• Assist in selecting, making, and organizing materials.

• Keep teaching areas neat and organized.

• Attend appropriate training sessions, workshops, and conferences whenever
appropriate.

• Be familiar with and carry out responsibilities and duties as indicated in The Joseph
Sams School Staff Handbook.

• Attend monthly general staff meetings and program-level meetings.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Instructional Support Teacher or Principal

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The ability to carry out lessons developed by the special education teacher and/or therapist is
required. The ability to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision is essential. Good
communication skills, both written and verbal, are also required. Attention to detail and the
ability to keep and monitor student progress through data collection are essential.
Special education paraprofessionals must have the emotional maturity to work with students
who have special needs. Patience, dependability, organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability
to multi-task are critical attributes. Basic English and math skills are essential to assist students
with assignments. Special education paraprofessionals must maintain confidentiality around
information about students at all times. The ability to circulate among people of various backgrounds and roles is essential, as this position will regularly interface with administrators,
teachers, fellow paraprofessionals, students, and parents.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A high school degree, or the equivalent, is required; some college is preferred. Experience
working with children with disabilities and working is also preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

A paraprofessional will teach and administer lessons developed by an IST (Instructional
Support Teacher) in a variety of locations both inside and outside of the school environment,
including the classroom, lunchroom, playground, PE/gross motor room, etc., as well as in
community venues such as grocery stores, local businesses, and public facilities such as
libraries, parks, etc. May be required to assist in transferring and lifting students and able to lift
at least 50 pounds. Other physical demands may include crouching, stooping, kneeling,
bending, carrying, pushing, and pulling