Release Date: February 24, 2023 Application Deadline: May 30, 2023

Requisition: 9709

Current benefited staff of SMCPS who submit a timely application and meet the minimum qualifications for the position shall be granted an interview and shall be considered to fill the vacancy prior to external applicants being considered. Questions regarding your application and/or candidacy should be directed to the Department of Human Resources.

Position: Paraeducator - Instructional (Pre-Kindergarten) - Search Extended

(ten-month assignment)

Location: Lexington Park Elementary School

Salary: The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees – Range 7 Paraeducator II ($25,368 - $38,369)

Effective: August 16, 2023

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Qualified applicants, including current employees of St. Mary's County Public Schools, must complete a TalentEd online application. In addition to the online application, any support documentation (copy of certification where applicable) must be scanned and uploaded to the TalentEd application. The online application and any support documentation must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications, including information about the applicant’s background, experience, and professional qualifications. Failure to submit all required documentation will result in your application being considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the selection committee for review. All online applications must be completed no later than May 30, 2023. Following a screening of credentials, interviews will be scheduled. Please contact the Department of Human Resources with questions (301-475-5511, ext. 32187).

NATURE OF WORK:

The paraeducator will work under the direction of the classroom teacher to support the delivery of developmentally appropriate learning opportunities. The position is a ten-month position that has the responsibility to provide instructional support to students and support for teachers as needed. The position will support the instructional needs of the classroom. The work is performed under the general direction of the classroom teacher and in collaboration with the school administration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Pre-Kindergarten Paraeducator must be able to work collaboratively with the classroom teacher or the Instructional Resource Teacher (IRT) and at times, work independently to support the instructional goals of the students and class. Paraeducators are required to escort students, maintain a safe and orderly learning environment, assist students with instructional activities and projects, and assist the classroom teacher with maintaining and organizing materials of instruction.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The paraeducator will work under the direction of the classroom teacher. As part of the duties, the paraeducator will:

• Meet regularly with the teacher at a designated time for planning and evaluating student's progress;
• Assist in developing learning activities with the teacher or IRT;
• Assist in guiding students in working and playing with others;
• Provide escort and assistance to students as necessary;
• Assist in the supervision of students on trips and other school related activities;
• Assist teachers in conducting home visits to families as needed;
• Assist in the family style eating opportunities provided to students in the Pre-Kindergarten Program;
• Attend to toileting and diapering needs of students enrolled in program;
• Prepare, under the direction of the teacher or IRT, appropriate learning activities, stations, materials;
• Reinforce learning activities with appropriate audio-visual aids and other materials;
• Assist teacher in maintaining neat work and center areas;
• Assist in activities planned for and with parents;
• Attend, as necessary, workshops and in-service training sessions; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Paraeducator II: (All applicants applying for Title I Schools must meet Paraeducator II qualifications)

• Obtained an associate’s or higher degree; or
• Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education; or
• Obtain a passing score on the Para Pro Assessment;
• College training and experience working with children is desired; and
• By the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, Pre-Kindergarten Paraeducators will be required to hold a Child Development Associate Program (CDA) License and have successfully completed all course and practicum work; and receive a passing score on the CDA exam. Funds and support will be provided for this coursework and credentials.

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:

Full-time ten-month position.

SALARY GRADE RANGE: The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees Range 7 Paraeducator II.

BARGAINING UNIT ELIGIBILITY: EASMC-ESP

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all applicants, re-advertise, and/or withdraw the positions.

The St. Mary’s County Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status or sexual orientation, religion, or disability in matters affecting employment or providing access to programs.