About this role
Title Paraeducator Location Bellingham High School for the 2026-2027 (District Positon location assigned annually) Schedule Ten (10) Months – 184 days to follow school calendar BMS/BHS – 35 hours/week (7 hours/day) Qualifications:
• Passing score on the ParaPro Test or other state approved assessment program. ParaPro is waived with associate degree.
• Associate's degree preferred.
• Willingness to accept direction and cooperate with all staff.
• Prior experience working with children in a school setting, preferred.
• Evidence of emotional maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work Involved.
• Physical Requirements – Ability to move in and out of an office, classrooms, building, and up and down stairs. Must possess mobility to work in a classroom and strength to lift and carry material weighing up to 20 pounds. Strength to lift/or carry materials/items/persons weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance as the students may need positioning.
• Ability to climb stairs, kneel and move easily on and off floor mats.
• Ability to use good judgment and exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with others; ability to respect confidential matters; sensitivity to and respect of the problems of children; traits of resourcefulness, thoroughness, initiative, patience, courtesy, dependability, and enthusiasm.
• Ability and willingness to learn and use Assistive Technology.
• Ability to use Online Platforms through Google Meets and Google Classroom, etc.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent of Schools may find appropriate and acceptable.
Reports to: Principal, BCBA, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services or Designee Performance Responsibilities:
• Assists the teacher with student instruction direct and/or indirect.
• Assist the teacher with the selection and utilization of educational materials and general supplies.
• Assist the teacher in administering achievement and/or diagnostic testing.
• Assist the teacher in implementation of behavior modification programs.
• Assist the teacher with general classroom management.
• Assist with addressing student behavior and encouraging effort in the classroom.
• Assist the teacher in supervision of students involved in school activities.
• Assist the teacher in preparing for the day's activities during regularly scheduled hours.
• Assume responsibility for the classroom teacher in their absence including a daily rate increase, when needed.
• Flexibility to perform duties across a variety of classrooms and school environments.
• Participate in staff development programs required by the Building Principal and or Student Services Department.
• Under the supervision of a certified teacher, and in accordance with student's IEP, prepare for classroom instructional events and other educational or non-educational activities.
• Assists the teacher in implementing support strategies and interventions developed by the teacher and/or BCBA for reinforcing skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Provide positive and appropriate role models for students at all times and treat students with the respect due them as individual members of the community.
• Assists in the teaching process and works directly with children to provide class support in the areas of academics, social skills, self-care (ADL's), and vocational skills.
• Assist and reinforce generalization in skill development and community integration.
• Completion of onboarding process including district policies and procedures, and annual mandatory trainings.
• Serves as a resource person about the student(s) in communicating with the teachers regarding specific instruction with students relative to specific goal attainment.
• Assists in behavioral interventions/able to achieve Safety Care certification (full restraint training provided).
• Assists in implementing treatment plans, health plans, safety plans and behavior plans, etc. for various students in order to create a safe and successful learning experience.
• Perform Data Collection (if required).
• Work as a member of a team with other staff members (BCBA, RBT, etc).
• Be able to apply ABA Strategies (specific training will be provided).
• Assist in toileting certain students with disabilities (if required).
• Lift and carry certain students with disabilities per IEP (if required).
• Any other duties as directed by the Principal, BCBA and/or Director of Student Services.
Work with individuals and small groups of students to:
• Reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assist with self-help and independence skills.
• Implement remedial and review exercises, practice and drill work as outlined by the teacher.
• Aid independent study, enrichment or remedial work as provided by the teacher.
• Help students master instructional tasks assigned by teachers.
• Assist in test taking, use of instructional tasks assigned by teachers.
• Assist in test taking, use of instructional technology and reading to students.
• Observe and make notes of the observation on performance and behaviors.
• Implement curriculum modifications or accommodations designed by professional staff.
Assist teachers with non-instructional duties, such as:
• Escorting and supervising movement of students throughout the school.
• Assisting students boarding and exiting transportation vehicles.
• Proctoring testing and providing make up work assistance.
• Toileting, including diaper changing (if required).
Assist in the administrative duties of the school during normal school hours, including such duties as:
• Provide supervision/monitoring of students during breaks, lunches, community trips and other times as assigned/necessary, including covering for absent staff members.
• The supervision of students passing in the corridors and during fire drills and assemblies.
• Assisting students in situations other than their regular assignment as requested by the teacher.
• Temporary assignment by the principal to additional administrative duties (lunchroom,recess, and playground duties will be assigned).
• Set up and operate instructional and/or assistive technology equipment under the direction of the teacher.
• Actively participate in available professional development activities appropriate to district expectations per the job requirements.
• Responsible for other general duties as indicated by the Principal, the Director of Student Services and the Superintendent of Schools or their designee and policies of the School Committee.