The personal care assistant / 1:1 Paraeducator is assigned to provide instructional, behavioral and personal care support as outlined in the student’s Individual Education Plan. The assistant will be directed by the classroom teacher and is under the general supervision of the designated program supervisor.
The assignment of the Personal Care Assistant/1:1 Paraeducator is for a school year and could terminate at any time, based on student placement or needs.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
Education Required: High School Diploma or High School Equivalency
Effective July 1, 2010 – Also must meet one of the following four qualifications:
Have completed the Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraeducators through the PA Department of Education (or be willing to complete within 6 months of employment). A copy of the credential must be submitted within 30 days of hire or when received from PDE.
Have completed at least 2 years of postsecondary study with a minimum of 48 credit hours. Copy of transcript required within 30 days of employment.
Possess an associate degree or higher. Copy of degree or transcripts required within 30 days of employment.
Meet a rigorous standard of quality as demonstrated through an approved form of assessment, i.e. CAPE Test, within 6 months of employment. Copy of the Cape Test results must be submitted as soon as received. Cost of the test is paid by the employee.
AND
As required by the PA Department of Education: Each school year, provide evidence of 20 hours of staff development activities related to position. Pro-ration will apply based on date of hire within the school year.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The strength and ability to lift and/or assist in lifting students ranging in age from pre-school to twenty-one and any assistive appliances, for example: wheelchair. The ability to physically restrain students in emotional stress by using the Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI), Safe Crisis Management (SCM) or Quality Behavior Supports (QBS) method, depending on program need, for which training will be provided.