Paraeducator

Urban Institute

National (OA)

National Occupational Frameworks

Documents

Individual state requirements may vary. Please contact your local apprenticeship office to ensure this version is suitable to your state’s requirements.

Work Process Schedule

Work Process Content

On the Job Training

Anonymous

Supports Instruction

Assists teacher toward maintaining the physical environment to ensure safety, maximize learning and facilitate student independence (e.g., classroom set-up, accessibility of learning materials to students, visual aids, etc.) and a sense of purpose to maintain a positive and challenging learning environment
Follows written instructional plans provided by the instructional team, seeking clarification and training as needed to reinforce essential concepts
Reinforces learning individually or with small group instruction, at the direction of the teacher, that will achieve and reinforce the short- and long-term objectives of the classroom
Administers a variety of materials and technologies in support of assignments (e.g., tests, homework, grades papers, folders, etc.) for the purpose of assisting teacher in evaluating students' progress and meeting the needs of the student(s)
Performs other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the teaching work unit
Assists classroom teacher or other immediate supervisor with the provision of instructional activities at the appropriate level for all students including resources that support digital equity
Assists in preparation and organization of instructional materials (i.e., instructional activities, bulletin boards, reference materials, etc.) to provide assistance to teacher in support of lesson plans
Proctors routine classroom assessments (following any student accommodations) as directed by the instructional team
With support from the classroom teacher, clearly and consistently communicate how concepts connect to the big ideas and essential questions within and across disciplines
Assists in planning, delivery and evaluation of extra-curricular learning activities under the direction of the teacher (e.g., field trips, outdoor exploration, etc.)
Supports direct instruction to students individually, in small groups, and with whole class settings under direction of teacher
Assists with the use of informal formative assessments to determine student understanding of specific content.
Makes responsive adjustments, modifies pace of instruction and provides organizational cues under the guidance of the instructional team

Develops Systems of Support for Students

Advocates for students through effective communication with school personnel and their families as best determined by the instructional team
Supports development during transitions in students' lives through mentoring and modeling fairness, respect and problem-solving behavior
Support the implementation of social-emotional and behavioral interventions as determined by the instructional teams
Supports student’s independence, self-advocacy, positive sense of identity, self-control, and self-reliance under the guidance of the instructional team
Assists in culturally responsive-sustaining education that is grounded in a view of learning and human development where multiple expressions of diversity are recognized and regarded as assets for learning
Supports a safe and equitable learning environment that honors diversity and inclusion by respecting the differences between culture, religion, race, gender, class, sexual orientation and abilities of students under the guidance of the instructional team
Uses knowledge of students’ strengths and interests to encourage engagement in varied school and community activities under the guidance of the instructional team
Assists classroom teacher or other school professionals with the creation of an environment in which students work with a sense of purpose and understand what is expected of them
Demonstrates through words, actions and instruction, high standards, and the belief in students’ ability to meet them
Aligns communication methods to individual’s language proficiency by providing opportunities and support for students to understand, acquire, and use verbal and nonverbal means to communicate thoughts and feelings
Supports students to have central roles in holding self and others accountable for behavioral expectations, including roles in resolving conflict and eliminating bullying and harassment
Promotes understanding and development of ways to respond to differences in culture, religion, race, language, class, gender, sexual orientation, and abilities of students
Supports the use of effective and responsive instructional strategies while functioning within a multilingual, multicultural and economically diverse society
Implements positive behavioral supports for all students outlined in a behavior support plan as determined by the instructional team
Supports students and families through home visits

Supports Student Safety

Administers first aid and emergency medical assistance as required for the purpose of providing appropriate care for injured students
Understands and articulates common educational and medical terminology used in the school setting
Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g., restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of aiding students and providing a safe and secure environment
Uses universal precautions to assist in maintaining a safe, healthy environment in all settings
Recognizes that psychological safety is an integral part of human development by valuing diversity, equity and inclusion by enabling students to be their whole selves where they can exhibit their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, background, family status or any other part of their identity without judgement
Assists in teaching specific behaviors and procedures to facilitate safety and learning in a school setting as determined by the instructional team
Works with students to safeguard their welfare, both on and off school campus as an extension of their personal social and emotional learning journey.
Reports suspected child abuse, suicidal ideation, and dangerous behaviors as required by law, policies, and local procedures
Assists in the administration of medication per parent / guardian / school nurse instructions as permitted
Supervises student safety on field trips and other activities such as indoor/outdoor play, snacks and rest

Provides Support for Students with Special Needs

Confers with teachers and/or parents (e.g. phone calls, e-mails, parent-teacher meetings, recording student progress, etc.) for the purpose of providing information related to the student’s progress as established in their individual educational program
Supports students with disabilities in their use of self-assessment, problem-solving, and other cognitive strategies under the guidance of the instructional team
Supports students with behavioral, emotional and social development needs
Maintains the dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of all students with disabilities, families, and school personnel as part of established communication plan
Works with students with additional requirements to meet their personal support needs, including contributing to the transportation and care of individuals with special needs
Supports individuals during therapy sessions
Supports students with sensory and/or physical needs
Adapts, under the direction of the teacher, classroom activities, assignments and/or materials for the purpose of providing an opportunity for all special education students to participate in classroom activities, including adapting the physical environment and modifying learning materials
Supports students with disabilities in their use of augmentative and alternative communication devices and other assistive technology under the guidance of the instructional team
Provides least intrusive levels of support, fade support, and fade physical proximity from students with disabilities under the guidance of the instructional team
Provides feedback to students with disabilities regarding their performance under the guidance of the instructional team
Confers with teacher(s) (special education and/or mainstream teacher) on a regular basis for the purpose of assisting in evaluating special education student progress and/or implementing IEP objectives
Supports development of communication and social skills and facilitate proactive peer interactions for students with disabilities under the guidance of the instructional team
Implements individualized reinforcement systems as determined by the instructional team
Supports, fosters, and encourages the use of oral and written communication efforts of students with disabilities, if able, and under the guidance of the instructional team
Provides a sense of inclusion and belonging in schools by encouraging students to believe, experience and feel that they are accepted and respected as a valued contributor in the learning and social environment.
Assists students requiring support in addressing personal care needs due to medical condition and/or physical limitations for the purpose of allowing students to function in school environment
Assists with supplementary work for advanced students

Supports Social and Behavioral Development

Provides students with social-emotional support and implement behavioral interventions as determined by the instructional teams
Assists instructor in teaching and demonstrating skills that undergird equity, wellness, and social emotional learning which include, but are not limited to, self-awareness, social awareness, relationship building and decision making
Models good behavior and contribute to the prevention of challenging behavior
Enables students to be active citizens through civic engagement
Develops and promotes positive relationships with students
Communicates and supports students about the benefits of improving attendance
Promotes students’ wellbeing and resilience
Communicates behavioral insight about students to teacher
Responds to student actions using positive strategies to encourage good behavior and communicates the consequences of poor behavior
Demonstrates respect and appreciation for cultural differences in verbal and written interactions with students, families (including home visits, where applicable)
Demonstrates respect through language and behavior in all interactions with colleagues, students, and families

Develops and Models Professional Behavior

Models professional appearance, demeanor and maintain punctuality
Develops and maintain positive working relationships with other practitioners by attending meetings and participating with other stakeholders in school improvement initiatives
Conducts activities with integrity and in compliance with applicable local, state and federal standards, policies and guidelines
Follows the chain of command established by the district to address policy questions, system level issues, and personnel practices
Attends all training and in-service presentations (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions and professional growth
Reflects on instructional successes and challenges and use that information; seek guidance and use feedback from licensed professionals to continually improve practice
Maintains boundaries for relationships and communication with students and their families within the professional and ethical scope of responsibility
Pursues understanding of special education services and students with disabilities under the guidance of the instructional team
Establishes and maintains professional, collegial, and appropriate relationships with school personnel, students, and their families

Maintains the Instructional Environment

In collaboration with assigned teacher(s) performs record keeping and educational reporting (e.g., student records, schedules, lesson plans, progress reports, attendance, classroom inventories, etc.), per school's policies and procedures
Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the learning environment
Supports instructional team by assisting in the development of tests, bibliographies, lists, notices, class materials, and other items
Contribute to school safety by performing monitoring duties as assigned and stay apprised of all safety plans (i.e., fire, severe weather, active shooter, etc.), as determined by the school district.
Develops an understanding of the use and maintenance of technologies and/or equipment used in the classroom or by students in order to support instructional team
Maintains and develops engaging content for bulletin boards, display areas, and interest centers to support an engaged classroom in coordination with the instructional team
Participates in school activities to promote the general welfare of the school and improve teaching and learning
Leads and motivate volunteers assigned to classroom

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