Release Date:  June 9, 2025     Application Deadline:  Open Until Filled

Requisition: 11216

Current benefited staff of SMCPS who submit a timely application and meet the minimum qualifications for the position shall be granted an interview and shall be considered to fill the vacancy prior to external applicants being considered.  Questions regarding your application and/or candidacy should be directed to the Department of Human Resources.

POSITION:       Paraeducator – Instructional Prekindergarten Open Until Filled

REPORTS TO:   Site Administrator

LOCATION:      Ridge Elementary School

SALARY:           The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month, seven-hour employees – Range 9 ($27,451 - $41,521).

EFFECTIVE:     August 2025 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Qualified applicants, including current employees of St. Mary's County Public Schools, must complete a TalentEd online application.   In addition to the online application, any support documentation (copy of certification where applicable) must be scanned and uploaded to the TalentEd application.  The online application and any support documentation must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications, including information about the applicant’s background, experience, and professional qualifications.  Failure to submit all required documentation will result in your application being considered incomplete.  Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the selection committee for review.   All online applications must be completed no later than June 25, 2025. Following a screening of credentials, interviews will be scheduled. Please contact the Department of Human Resources with questions at 301-475-5511, ext. 1 or hrd@smcps.org.

Nature of Work: 

The paraeducator will work under the direction of the classroom teacher to support the delivery of developmentally appropriate learning opportunities. The position is a ten-month position that has the responsibility to provide instructional support to students and support for teachers as needed. The position will support the instructional needs of the classroom. The work is performed under the general direction of the classroom teacher and in collaboration with the school administration. The paraeducator may be assigned by the building principal or the principal’s designee to support any elementary grade level (Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5), as needed.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to professionally relate to and collaborate with co-workers, students, and community members
• Ability to understand and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to use technology effectively to complete tasks
• Ability to report to work daily and on time
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Possess effective organizational skills
• Possess effective written and oral communication skills
• Possess knowledge of the programs, policies, and procedures of the St. Mary’s County Public School System 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works collaboratively with the classroom teacher or the Instructional Resource Teacher (IRT) and at times, works independently to support the instructional goals of the students and class
• Maintains a safe and orderly learning environment
• Assists students with instructional activities and projects, and assists the classroom teacher with maintaining and organizing materials of instruction
• Meets regularly with the teacher at a designated time for planning and evaluating student's progress
• Assists in developing learning activities with the teacher or IRT
• Assists in guiding students in working and playing with others
• Provides escort and assistance to students as necessary
• Assists in the supervision of students on trips and other school-related activities
• Assists teachers in conducting home visits to families as needed
• Assists in the family-style eating opportunities provided to students in the Pre-Kindergarten Program
• Assist teachers and other professionals in maintaining and updating information in student records
• Attends to toileting and diapering needs of students enrolled in the program
• Prepares, under the direction of the teacher or IRT, appropriate learning activities, stations, and materials
• Reinforces learning activities with appropriate audio-visual aids and other materials
• Assist teacher in maintaining neat work and center areas;
• Assists in activities planned for and with parents
• Attends workshops and in-service training sessions
• Performs other related and non-related job duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required: 

• High School Diploma or GED
• Forty-eight (48) semester college credits or successful completion Paraprofessional Test
•  By July 1, 2027, all Pre-K Paraeducators must have: 
• Associate's degree in early childhood or a related field OR 
• A Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate OR
• Have worked for five years in a publicly funded Pre-K before June 30, 2024 with effective evaluations

Preferred:

• Related college courses or training
• Experience working with children

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:

Full-time ten-month position.

SALARY GRADE RANGE: 

The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees - Range 9.

BARGAINING UNIT ELIGIBILITY: EASMC-ESP

Updated 07.2024, 5.2025