Educational Support Professional

Intermediate District 287 is a west metro district for learners with unique needs.  As an intermediate district, we provide specialized services, primarily setting IV special education, to students from 12 member districts in the west metro.  To better understand our student population and work environment check out this video. 

Pay & Benefits:

• Competitive Pay: $18.15 - $26.52 Depending on experience and education
• Generous Benefits:  Medical, dental, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid leave, pension,  403b, and an incredible employee assistance program (includes 6 free counseling sessions) 

Education and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or a general education development (GED) certificate.
• General Experience:
  • Two (2) years of full-time employment or equivalent working with individuals in an environment that provides broad familiarity with and understanding of the physical and emotional behaviors and challenges of children with exceptional needs.
• Substitution Allowed for the General Experience:
  • College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (½) year of experience to a maximum of two (2) years;

OR

• The successful completion of the ETS Parapro Assessment prior to the date of hire.

AND

• In addition to the above substitutions, individuals are required to have some experience, either voluntary or paid, working with individuals in an environment that provides broad familiarity with and understanding of the physical and emotional behaviors and challenges of individuals with exceptional needs (this experience must be described on the application).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of:
  • relevant laws, rules, regulations, and District policies and procedures
  • the similarities and differences between cognitive, communicative, physical, social, and emotional needs of students and the factors that influence these different needs
  • and respect for the diverse backgrounds (racial, cultural, linguistic, environmental) of students and how these characteristics affect the student’s life and learning;
• Skill in: 
  • oral and written communication
  • interpersonal and social skills;
• Ability to:
  • collect and record performance data on students under the direction of a licensed teacher, while respecting student confidentiality and the laws regarding ethical practices of assessment
  • utilize learning styles theory in supporting instructional practices
  • establish and maintain rapport with students
  • draw on knowledge and resources regarding a variety of developmental and age-appropriate instructional methods, techniques, and materials when supporting the instruction of a licensed teacher
  • assist in adapting instructional strategies and materials according to the needs of the student, under the direction of a licensed teacher
  • follow oral and written direction of licensed teachers, seeking clarification if needed
  • assist and reinforce elements that support a safe, healthy, and effective teaching and learning environment
  • use strategies that promote the student’s independence;
  • prepare and organize materials to support teaching and learning, as directed by a licensed teacher
  • effectively employ a variety of strategies that reinforce positive behavior
  • collect objective and accurate information on student behavior to be provided to licensed professionals, as appropriate and directed by a licensed teacher
  • reinforce the development of student social skills by using appropriate strategies to modify the environment
  • participate as a member of the educational team when requested to attend conferences with families or primary caregivers, with an understanding of some of the concerns of the parents
  • use ethical practices for confidential communication about students
  • be sensitive and respectful in communications regarding all children and families, regardless of differences in cultural heritage, lifestyle, values, and home environment
  • work with individuals from diverse backgrounds

Essential Functions

• Educates individual students (one-on-one or small group), including those on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) under the direction of the supervising teacher;
• Provides assistance with individualized programmed materials;
• Assists with group educational activities that include students on IEPs;
• Carries out tutoring activities designed by the teacher that include students on IEPs;
• Monitors supplementary work and independent study that include students on IEPs;
• Confers and plans with teachers related to classroom and/or IEP objectives and/or modifications, and provides documentation;
• Works with teachers to develop classroom schedule;
• Manages students (including those on IEPs);
• Assists the teacher in observing, recording, and charting behavior;
• Assists the teacher with crisis problems and behavior management to include restraint of students;
• Prepares classroom materials including those related to IEPs or modifications/accommodations;
• Prepares the classroom environment for learning activities;
• Assists students with physical needs (toileting, eating, dressing);
• Participates in professional activities and meetings;
• Works with audio-visual equipment, computers and/or assistive technology as related to IEP accommodations and modifications;
• Maintains classroom (housekeeping chores);
• Supervises children in the hallway, lunchroom, playground, and on field trips;
• May transport students in District vehicles, when requested;
• Completes paperwork for third party billing, as required.
• Maintaining regular attendance and providing proper notice of leave.