Paraprofessional: Special Education
Position Overview
The Special Education Paraprofessional provides instructional, behavioral, and personal support to students with disabilities under the direction of certified teachers and service providers. This role supports the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and helps ensure a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment. The paraprofessional works directly with individual students or small groups and contributes to the overall success and well-being of students with diverse learning needs.
Reports to: School Principal or Designee
Qualifications
Required:
- Meets No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements for paraprofessionals, including one of the following:
- 60 college credit hours from an accredited institution
- Associate degree
- Passing score on the ParaPro or WorkKeys assessment
- Ability to work effectively with students with disabilities
- Ability to relocate to Columbia, SC prior to start date
Preferred:
- Prior experience working with students with disabilities
- Experience supporting behavioral or instructional interventions
Compensation & Benefits
- Job Type: Full-time
- Schedule: Monday to Friday
- Benefits: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plan; paid time off
- Professional Learning: Job-related training provided as required
Essential Job Functions
Instructional & Student Support
- Assists teachers and service providers with the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Provides individual or small-group instruction under teacher supervision, including reinforcing lessons and supporting independent work
- Supports students’ instructional, behavioral, and personal needs in accordance with their IEPs
- Assists with the use of assistive technology and adaptive equipment as needed
- Collects and reports student performance data to teachers and service providers
Student Care & Supervision
- Attends to student needs that may include personal hygiene, feeding, lifting, toileting, and mobility support
- Escorts and supervises students during transitions, arrival and dismissal, recess, cafeteria, and school-related activities
- Ensures student safety at all times, including monitoring medical or mobility equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers
Classroom & Professional Responsibilities
- Assists with classroom management and behavior intervention plans under teacher direction
- Maintains student records, data logs, and instructional materials
- Performs general clerical tasks related to classroom support
- Maintains classroom organization, bulletin boards, and supply inventories as appropriate
- Participates in required staff development and training, including behavioral or safety-related training
- Collaborates as a member of the educational team to support student success
- Communicates with parents only under the direction of certified staff
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds frequently
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, or crawl as required
- Sufficient mobility to assist with positioning, transferring, and ensuring student safety
- Manual dexterity to operate instructional and technology equipment
- Visual acuity for close, distance, color, peripheral vision, and depth perception
- Ability to hear and communicate effectively in person and by telephone
Workplace Expectations
- Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, communication, and appearance
- Works effectively with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds
- Maintains regular and punctual attendance
- Follows all school policies, procedures, and administrative directives
Additional Requirements
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background check and clearance as required by the South Carolina Department of Education.
Clear Dot Charter School does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, disability, national origin, or religion in its programs, services, or employment practices.
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