Position Summary
The Paraprofessional provides instructional and other direct services to students under the supervision and direction of a certified classroom teacher or other certified professional staff. The role supports student learning, behavior, and safety in general education and special education settings, including one on one and small group support for students with IEPs.
Key Responsibilities
Instructional support
- Reinforce lessons planned and delivered by the certified teacher, working with individual students or small groups
- Assist with instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics
- Adapt and present materials to meet the needs of diverse learners, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners
- Assist with classroom technology and computer lab, library, or media center activities
- Collect and record student performance and behavior data for the teacher's review
- Assist with preparation of instructional materials and classroom setup
Behavior and learning environment
- Reinforce classroom rules and school wide behavioral expectations
- Implement positive behavioral supports and de-escalation strategies as directed
- Model appropriate social behavior and help students build social skills and self motivation
- Support students during transitions, arrival and dismissal, lunch, recess, and specials
Health, safety, and personal care
- Follow universal health precautions and district health and safety procedures
- Provide personal care assistance (toileting, feeding, mobility, hygiene) where an IEP requires it
- Use proper lifting and transfer techniques for students with physical needs
- Recognize and report suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with Rhode Island law
- Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe learning space
Professionalism
- Maintain reliable, punctual attendance for the full assigned schedule
- Protect student confidentiality and follow FERPA and district policy
- Communicate professionally with teachers, administrators, families, and support agencies
- Understand the boundary between the paraprofessional role and the certified teacher role
- Attend required trainings, staff meetings, and orientation days
Minimum Qualifications
Rhode Island does not certify paraprofessionals at the state level, but the following are the RIDE baseline requirements. Districts may set standards above these.
- Be of good character
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of a RIDE-approved pre-employment training program (waived for candidates certified in another state, hired before 1999, or holding an associate's degree or higher with coursework covering the RIDE Teacher Assistant Standards)
- Meet one of the following:
- Pass the ParaPathways Assessment (cut scores: 332 Reading/Writing, 334 Math)
- Two or more years of completed college coursework
- Associate's degree or higher
EEO Employer:
LanceSoft is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. LanceSoft makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
