Special Education Paraprofessional: Discovery Plus Program

New Orleans, LA
Full Time
Entry Level
 

FirstLine Schools: Discovery Plus Program - Special Education Paraprofessional

Creating and inspiring great, open admissions public schools in New Orleans

 

About FirstLine Schools

 

In 1998, FirstLine Schools started the first charter school in New Orleans. FirstLine now operates several (Pre)K-8th grade schools.  Our mission is to create and inspire great, open admissions public schools in New Orleans. 

 

Our faculty is a diverse and talented group dedicated to our students’ success and to their own growth as teachers.  Our schools are led by leaders who hold themselves accountable for student achievement and teacher development.

 

About Discovery Plus Specialized Program

 

In 2020-2021, FirstLine Schools will pilot a specialized program at three of our schools for students with cognitive impairments in grades 3 - 8 whose cognitive functioning is 2.3 or more standard deviations below the mean and also have a clear need in two or more of the following areas: Life Skills Support (e.g. toileting, play, social communication, feeding, etc.), Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Motor Skills Support (Physical Therapy and Adaptive Physical Education). The mission for our FirstLine Schools Discovery Plus Program is for all students to be provided with the skills to lead big, purposeful lives. Our vision for meeting our mission is by providing our students with rigorous academic curriculum, intentional teaching of transition/life skills, and a classroom environment with a robust level of supports and related services. Furthermore, we believe that our students with exceptionalities excel in mind, body, and spirit through intentional community collaboration that drives and responds to student data. 

 

Position Summary:

 

FirstLine Schools is seeking talented, passionate individuals to serve in a self-contained specialized program for students with cognitive impairments. These paraprofessionals will act as 1:1, 2:1, or classroom paraprofessionals in the Discovery Plus Program. The paraprofessional will assist with managing the IEP needs of the assigned student(s) in addition to supporting the instruction and behavior in the classroom.  Paraprofessionals in the Discovery Plus Program are motivated individuals dedicated to providing an excellent education for all youth, particularly those with cognitive needs. Paraprofessionals in the Discovery Plus Program will receive coaching from the Classroom Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, and Specialized Program Manager, as well as collaborate closely with Related Service Providers to implement supports, devices, and interventions throughout the school day. 

 

Position Responsibilities:

 

Special Education

  • Assists in the delivery of special education services under the supervision of the Special Education teacher
  • Supports the instruction in the classroom for the assigned student(s)
  • Assists assigned student(s) with classroom assignments 
  • Supports instructional aspects of student(s) IEP(s)
  • Works to keep student(s) on task during classroom instruction
  • Provides behavioral support throughout the school day
  • Supports student(s) IEP goals in areas of academics, social emotional and related service areas
  • Supports student(s) with specific assistive technology devices student(s) may require throughout the day
  • Medical and life skills care and assistance for students may be required as part of a student’s health plan or IEP. This may include: feeding, toileting, medication management, medical device adjustments and management, crisis prevention intervention,  etc.  Must be willing to be trained.

Instructional Duties

  • Supports lessons that lead to mastery of IEP goals and success in the Discovery Plus Program  
  • Supports teachers in using push-in/pull-out class time effectively to ensure lesson cycle is effectively accomplished 
  • Provides individual students with one-on-one assistance and tutoring as needed
  • Collaborates with related service providers to learn how to implement interventions/strategies/devices throughout the day
 

Goals and Behavior Management

  • Invests student(s) in achieving their goals 
  • Helps students connect their behavior to achieving goals and school values 
  • Builds independence and stamina in students 
  • Supports the use of an organized system to use assessment data to monitor the progress of assigned student

School-Wide Duties

  • Participates in school-wide duty rotations, meetings, and events
  • Performs other duties as needed
 

Education & Experience:

 
  • Passed the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Para-Pro Assessment [ETS ParaPro Assessment (#0755) passing score: 450]; or
  • Completed at least two years of full-time study (48 semester credit hours) from a state-approved or regionally accredited institution of higher education; or
  • Earned an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science degree or higher from a state-approved or regionally accredited institution of higher education
  • Previous experience working with students with health plans and cognitive needs is preferred
  • Experience in an urban, open admissions school
  • Experience working with and a deep commitment to at-risk students and families
  • Demonstrated record of setting high expectations for students with special needs 
  • Great communication and collaboration abilities
 

Desired Qualities & Characteristics:

 
  • Believe in every student’s ability to achieve 
  • Achieve results based on agreed-upon expectations
  • Take personal responsibility 
  • Highly detail-oriented 
  • Collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders 
  • Share a commitment to creating great schools in New Orleans
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Model the FirstLine values of Service, Learning, Collaboration and Results

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform all required job functions with reasonable accommodations, if necessary.

 

PARAPROFESSIONAL reports to: SPED Coordinator and Classroom Teacher 

 

How to Apply: Please apply online via: http://www.firstlineschools.org/careers 

 

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. FirstLine Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package with a generous 403b plan.

 

FirstLine Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.


 
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