The Stamford School, serving the preK-grade 8 students of Stamford, Vermont, is seeking a motivated, creative, organized, and multi-talented superhero to serve as a Special Education Paraprofessional. The individual in this 5 day/week position plays an integral role in the daily operations of our school and plays an important part in supporting our amazing students, teachers and families.

Our small school is located on the Massachusetts border about 30 minutes from Bennington and has 5 classrooms (preK/K, grades 1 & 2, grades 3 & 4, grades 5& 6, and grades 7 & 8) of 11-16 students per class.

Stamford School is part of the Windham Southwest Supervisory Union, and special education paraprofessionals are are hired as WSWSU employees and are assigned to the individual school, in this case: Stamford School.

Special education para-educators are employees: 1) whose positions are either instructional in nature or who deliver other direct services to students and 2) who serve in a position for which a teacher or other professional staff has the ultimate responsibility for the design, implementation and evaluation of instructional programs and student progress.

Special education para-educators may provide services in the following programmatic areas: educational programs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, transition training, supported employment or other vocational education programs, libraries, behavioral intervention, social skills, and health services.

Special education para-educators can expect to have clearly defined roles and expectations. These will be spelled out at the beginning of the school year or at the initiation of employment by the principal. The school district will be responsible for funding any training/workshops/course work deemed necessary by the IEP team.

Special education para-educators work may one-on-one with a special needs student or a small group of students under the direct supervision of the special educator and classroom teacher.

DUTIES PERFORMED BY 1:1 SPECIAL EDUCATION PARA-EDUCATORS
Instructing the special needs student by following programs and lessons developed by classroom teacher or special educator.
Assisting with the preparation of materials for specific instructional programs.
Ability to reinforce instruction throughout the school day.
Performing informal and functional assessment activities, scoring objectives tests and keeping appropriate records, all at the discretion of the supervisor.
Ability to gather accurate data about student behavior and/or acquisition of basic skills.
Implementing behavioral management programs developed for individual students.
Willingness to transport their student if alternative transportation is necessary.
Ability to follow through with instructional directions from special educator, classroom teacher and other service providers
Assisting teachers with crisis intervention and discipline to provide a safe environment.
Attending IEP meetings as appropriate.
Following the professional protocol when asked to communicate with parents.

In addition special education para-educators may be asked to: 1) perform bus duty; 2) administer medication; 3) assist students with personal and hygienic care; 4) set up and maintain adaptive equipment and learning centers; 5) operate office or video equipment; 6) lunch room duties

PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ALL SPECIAL EDUCATION PARA-EDUCATORS
1:1 special education para-educators must:

• Maintain confidentiality about all personal information and educational records concerning children, youth, and their families.
• Respect the legal and human rights of children, youth and their families.
• Follow district policies for protecting the health, safety and well-being of children and youth.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the distinctions in the roles of various educational personnel.
• Follow the direction of teachers and other supervisors.
• Maintain a record of regular attendance, arrive and depart a specified times, and notify appropriate personnel when they must be absent.
• Demonstrate respect for individual differences, dependability, integrity and other standards of ethical conduct.
• ]Follow the chain of command for various administrative procedures.
• Demonstrate a willingness to participate in opportunities for continuing education provided by the district.

Windham Southwest Supervisory Union is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.
Position Type: Full-time
Positions Available: 1
Job Category : Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA
Equal Opportunity Employer
Windham Southwest Supervisory Union is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.