Paraeducator, Prekindergarten Candidate Pool
Howard County Public School System, Columbia, MD, United States
Paraeducator
Under the general supervision of the principal or assistant principal, and with the direct supervision from a teacher, the Paraeducator provides assistance to students in small groups or in a one-to-one format throughout the school day. Assignments may include working with individuals and/or small groups of students. This person performs clerical work as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Diploma/GED Equivalent (must scan and upload diploma or official transcript to online application). Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please click here.
Additional Requirements for Title I School wide Program Schools: High School Diploma/GED Equivalent and a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment. or 48 college credits or more from an accredited college or university.
Preferred Qualifications:
Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
One (1) year experience working with students ages 0-5 in a licensed childcare, family childcare, or elementary (PK-5) setting is desired but not required.
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or an AA degree to work in Pre-K classrooms. *Per Blueprint this certification will be required beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.
Essential Position Responsibilities:
Works under the direction of a classroom teacher or service provider to provide instructional support for students individually and in small groups.
Assists classroom teachers or service providers with implementing content-area instruction and lesson plans to reinforce learning in various subject areas and motor activities (e.g., reading, telling stories, spelling, games, art, writing, music, physical education, mathematics, social/communication, community, recreation/leisure, physical activities, etc.).
Reviews and reinforces classroom lessons and learning experiences by monitoring and providing support to students engaged in independent work or similar activities in academic and non-academic classes.
In collaboration with the classroom teacher or service provider, implements consistent reinforcement of appropriate student behaviors, proactive strategies to support social-emotional needs of all students, and implements behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to address target behaviors of individual students.
Supports classroom/ behavior management strategies to help students remain engaged and attentive during activities.
Provides specified prompts for student engagement and participation during large group activities.
Informs classroom teacher or service provider to individual student learning needs and progress by data collection and documentation.
Supports the implementation of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) by collecting data and documentation related to student IEP goals/objectives and academic needs.
Provides information to assist the teacher in evaluation of the learning process, behavior management programs, individual student needs and progress.
Assists classroom teacher or service provider in carrying out activities by preparing instructional materials (e.g., manipulatives, making copies, filing, etc.).
Assists with the set up and operation of assistive technology to support student learning and communication (electronic communicators, switches, pointers, feeders, etc.).
Attends meetings and professional learning sessions (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, behavior management, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
Assist students with mobility needs (e.g., equipment is properly used and secured, including wheelchairs, seat belts or other safety restraints).
Maintains confidentiality as it relates to student information and records (e.g., IEPs, student files, health information, etc.).
Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g., bus, playground, classroom, field trips, transportation, assemblies, etc.).
May assist with lunch activities (e.g., collecting lunch money, feeding, etc.) for the purpose of helping students with routines and fostering independence as appropriate.
Assist students who require support with feeding, toileting, health protocols, etc.
Monitors/assists students between classrooms, during lunch period and recess, during playground activities, bus loading/unloading, and during restroom usage.
Continues planned instructional activities during teacher's temporary absence from the classroom.
Attends training opportunities provided by HCPSS.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies and practices, instructional goals, and policies specifically in pre-school aged children
Ability to maintain confidentiality, including student progress and concerns.
Requires sufficient human relations skills to work cooperatively, effectively, and exercise patience and sensitivity when interacting with students, parents, school-based staff, administrators, colleagues, central office and school-based staff, and community members.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral form.
Ability to remain calm under trying circumstances.
Ability to work with students with and without IEPs in an inclusive classroom setting.
Demonstrated aptitude for work to be performed, such as, but not limited to positive work ethic, well organized, strong communication skills, basic technology skills, and flexibility to work with diverse students and staff.
Basic knowledge of child development, arithmetic, spelling, language and reading sufficient to assist and motivate prekindergarten students with individual and group activities.
Ability to perform the essential responsibilities and work tasks of the position.
Ability to understand and interpret an instructor's instructions to work with small groups of children, including those with special needs.
Ability to balance emotional support and discipline to support classroom management strategies.
Ability to perform clerical and classroom support duties with minimum supervision.
Assists with recording attendance, obtaining parent signatures, and scheduling parent-teacher meetings.
Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.
Additional Requirements:
Working Environment: School buildings, classrooms, community, and/or outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions.
Exposure to high pitched/louder verbalizations by students, bodily fluids, students with more challenging behavior, etc.
May be required to assist with students exhibiting challenging behaviors including implementing a continuum of positive behavior supports.
May require customized training to accommodate the special needs of students.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to frequently lift and/or carry 50-75 pounds with assistance. Physical ability to work around children including standing and sitting, in a chair and/or on the floor, for extended periods of time. Physical ability to complete bending, pushing/pulling, walking, running, kneeling, twisting, squatting, crouching, overhead and above shoulder reaching movements. Must be able to use hands and fingers to operate standard office as well as student devices/equipment or classroom equipment. Must be able to actively monitor and respond to students who elope from the classroom, school building, or other emergency situations. Including the ability to move quickly towards students who may elope from an assigned area. Requires visual acuity to read and write printed materials and observe the activities of children. Ability to hear, with or without use of hearing aid(s), sufficient to hear any conversation with others.
The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.
Working Hours: The duty day for this position is 7.5 hours which includes an unpaid, thirty-minute duty-free lunch. Must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule and change of location, as needed.
Application Requirements:
Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
Selection Criteria:
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.
Employment Information:
Compensation: This is a 10-month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. This position is salary Grade VI on the Secretaries and Assistants Salary Scale. Paraeducators working in Title I Program Schools will receive an additional $0.50 per hour. General Education Paraeducators will receive an additional $0.30 per hour. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures
Under the general supervision of the principal or assistant principal, and with the direct supervision from a teacher, the Paraeducator provides assistance to students in small groups or in a one-to-one format throughout the school day. Assignments may include working with individuals and/or small groups of students. This person performs clerical work as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Diploma/GED Equivalent (must scan and upload diploma or official transcript to online application). Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please click here.
Additional Requirements for Title I School wide Program Schools: High School Diploma/GED Equivalent and a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment. or 48 college credits or more from an accredited college or university.
Preferred Qualifications:
Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
One (1) year experience working with students ages 0-5 in a licensed childcare, family childcare, or elementary (PK-5) setting is desired but not required.
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or an AA degree to work in Pre-K classrooms. *Per Blueprint this certification will be required beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.
Essential Position Responsibilities:
Works under the direction of a classroom teacher or service provider to provide instructional support for students individually and in small groups.
Assists classroom teachers or service providers with implementing content-area instruction and lesson plans to reinforce learning in various subject areas and motor activities (e.g., reading, telling stories, spelling, games, art, writing, music, physical education, mathematics, social/communication, community, recreation/leisure, physical activities, etc.).
Reviews and reinforces classroom lessons and learning experiences by monitoring and providing support to students engaged in independent work or similar activities in academic and non-academic classes.
In collaboration with the classroom teacher or service provider, implements consistent reinforcement of appropriate student behaviors, proactive strategies to support social-emotional needs of all students, and implements behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to address target behaviors of individual students.
Supports classroom/ behavior management strategies to help students remain engaged and attentive during activities.
Provides specified prompts for student engagement and participation during large group activities.
Informs classroom teacher or service provider to individual student learning needs and progress by data collection and documentation.
Supports the implementation of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) by collecting data and documentation related to student IEP goals/objectives and academic needs.
Provides information to assist the teacher in evaluation of the learning process, behavior management programs, individual student needs and progress.
Assists classroom teacher or service provider in carrying out activities by preparing instructional materials (e.g., manipulatives, making copies, filing, etc.).
Assists with the set up and operation of assistive technology to support student learning and communication (electronic communicators, switches, pointers, feeders, etc.).
Attends meetings and professional learning sessions (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, behavior management, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
Assist students with mobility needs (e.g., equipment is properly used and secured, including wheelchairs, seat belts or other safety restraints).
Maintains confidentiality as it relates to student information and records (e.g., IEPs, student files, health information, etc.).
Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g., bus, playground, classroom, field trips, transportation, assemblies, etc.).
May assist with lunch activities (e.g., collecting lunch money, feeding, etc.) for the purpose of helping students with routines and fostering independence as appropriate.
Assist students who require support with feeding, toileting, health protocols, etc.
Monitors/assists students between classrooms, during lunch period and recess, during playground activities, bus loading/unloading, and during restroom usage.
Continues planned instructional activities during teacher's temporary absence from the classroom.
Attends training opportunities provided by HCPSS.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies and practices, instructional goals, and policies specifically in pre-school aged children
Ability to maintain confidentiality, including student progress and concerns.
Requires sufficient human relations skills to work cooperatively, effectively, and exercise patience and sensitivity when interacting with students, parents, school-based staff, administrators, colleagues, central office and school-based staff, and community members.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral form.
Ability to remain calm under trying circumstances.
Ability to work with students with and without IEPs in an inclusive classroom setting.
Demonstrated aptitude for work to be performed, such as, but not limited to positive work ethic, well organized, strong communication skills, basic technology skills, and flexibility to work with diverse students and staff.
Basic knowledge of child development, arithmetic, spelling, language and reading sufficient to assist and motivate prekindergarten students with individual and group activities.
Ability to perform the essential responsibilities and work tasks of the position.
Ability to understand and interpret an instructor's instructions to work with small groups of children, including those with special needs.
Ability to balance emotional support and discipline to support classroom management strategies.
Ability to perform clerical and classroom support duties with minimum supervision.
Assists with recording attendance, obtaining parent signatures, and scheduling parent-teacher meetings.
Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.
Additional Requirements:
Working Environment: School buildings, classrooms, community, and/or outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions.
Exposure to high pitched/louder verbalizations by students, bodily fluids, students with more challenging behavior, etc.
May be required to assist with students exhibiting challenging behaviors including implementing a continuum of positive behavior supports.
May require customized training to accommodate the special needs of students.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to frequently lift and/or carry 50-75 pounds with assistance. Physical ability to work around children including standing and sitting, in a chair and/or on the floor, for extended periods of time. Physical ability to complete bending, pushing/pulling, walking, running, kneeling, twisting, squatting, crouching, overhead and above shoulder reaching movements. Must be able to use hands and fingers to operate standard office as well as student devices/equipment or classroom equipment. Must be able to actively monitor and respond to students who elope from the classroom, school building, or other emergency situations. Including the ability to move quickly towards students who may elope from an assigned area. Requires visual acuity to read and write printed materials and observe the activities of children. Ability to hear, with or without use of hearing aid(s), sufficient to hear any conversation with others.
The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.
Working Hours: The duty day for this position is 7.5 hours which includes an unpaid, thirty-minute duty-free lunch. Must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule and change of location, as needed.
Application Requirements:
Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
Selection Criteria:
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.
Employment Information:
Compensation: This is a 10-month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. This position is salary Grade VI on the Secretaries and Assistants Salary Scale. Paraeducators working in Title I Program Schools will receive an additional $0.50 per hour. General Education Paraeducators will receive an additional $0.30 per hour. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures