Paraprofessional

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Paraprofessional plays an important role in supporting student learning and helping create a positive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment. Working closely with the classroom teacher and school leadership, the Paraprofessional provides instructional and behavioral support to students, assists with classroom activities, and helps ensure students have the resources and guidance they need to succeed.

The Paraprofessional collaborates with teachers to reinforce lessons, support individual and small-group instruction, and promote positive student behavior. Through patience, flexibility, and a commitment to student growth, the Paraprofessional helps advance KIPP Baltimore’s mission of providing students with the knowledge, skills, and character needed to succeed in school and beyond.

Direct Student Support and IEP Documentation

Graduation from High school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate

Responsibilities

Actively engage students within daily instructional time to meet learning goals, during both whole-group, small group, and 1:1 instruction with materials and guidance from teachers; Implement all interventions and behavior strategies as outlined in the student’s IEP or 504 plan; Support with necessary student personal needs (hygiene, medical) and/or assisted technology and augmentative devices if noted in the IEP or 504 plan; Support with assignment completion and reiteration of classroom instruction to improve academic outcomes; Support with implementation of accommodations during class, district and state assessments; Implement accommodations, scaffolds, and modifications to core curriculum as directed by the teacher to ensure access to grade-level content; Provide behavioral management, effectively implementing de-escalation strategies as needed; Maintain consistent weekly data tracking to monitor student growth, leveraging these insights during collaborative reflections with providers to drive data-informed adjustments to student interventions; Maintain logs in SSM and contribute to Para Justification completion in readiness for the student’s IEP + 504 plan; Actively participate in IEP + 504 meetings, providing meaningful input regarding the students performance

Requirements

At least 48 college credits from an accredited college or university or successful completion of the MSDE Para Pro Assessment; One year of experience working with children; Understanding of what motivates student learning; Understanding of the curriculum in the classroom to which assigned; Knowledge and competency in business English, spelling punctuation, grammar and arithmetic; Ability to exercise patience and composure in working with children including those who have special needs; Ability to handle all matters in a professional and confidential manner; Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; Ability to make decisions in accordance with City Schools¿ policies, procedures, and general practice; Ability to work effectively with staff and children; Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Ability to maintain clerical and student records; Ability to perform routine and non-routine instructional tasks; A passion for the mission of KIPP Baltimore.