25-26 Special Education AIM Paraprofessional

The A.I.M Program(Adapt Include Motivate) is a specially designed program for students on the autism spectrum. Students receive specialized instruction designed to fit their individual needs within a substantially separate classroom with opportunities in the general educational setting when deemed appropriate by the students educational team. The program is supported by a team of clinical specialists (BCBA Occupational Therapist Speech and Language Pathologist and Counselor). The programs methodology of teaching relies heavily on the philosophy of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through the utilization of various strategies including discrete trial training (DTT) errorless learning prompting hierarchies and incidental teaching. The classrooms also utilize a multisensory approach and total communication systems. Generalization of skills and independence are goals for all students within the program. Delivery of instruction occurs in 1:1 small group and/or large group settings with appropriate supports and behavioral plans in place. The AIM program currently services children in prek through 8th grade in both the Capuano Early Childhood Center and the Winter Hill Community Innovation School.

Job Goal:

Paraprofessionals in the Somerville Public Schools assist teachers in all aspects of the functioning of the classroom including instruction and maintaining a safe classroom environment. Paraprofessionals contribute to a positive classroom and school environment and collaborate with colleagues to support students in a variety of ways. Paraprofessionals are part of a community of educators who are continuous learners and who have a shared responsibility for student success.

208day work year

Scheduled School Year:183 days

Additional work days:25 daysoutside of the regular school year which would includeSpecial EducationSummer School Programs.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with instruction as directed by the teacher
• Develop an understanding of the curriculum
• Support the overall management of the classroom and student behavior
• Provide small group and/or individual instruction under the direction of the classroom teacher
• Provide assistance and supervision of students during cafeteria time recess and if needed toileting
• Assist the classroom teacher with the development of curriculum materials
• Help to create and maintain a safe learning environment
• Support students emotional regulation
• Collect academic and/or behavioral data as directed
• Develop and maintain positive respectful and appropriate relationships with students
• Engage positively respectfully and professionally with colleagues
• Collaborate with colleagues to support student learning and success
• Positively contribute to a classroom and school community that affirms the identities of all students and staff
• Use practices and approaches that value student diversity
• Protect student confidentiality
• Engage in meaningful professional development opportunities and apply the learning from those experiences
• Understand and utilize appropriate technology
• Complete required paperwork and duties as assigned
• Additional duties as assigned by the Principal/Supervisor and in accordance with the SEU Collective Bargaining Agreement

Position Reports to:The School Principal and Director of Special Education or designee

The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race color age religion disability pregnancy home status marital/civil union status sex/gender gender identity sexual orientation citizenship status place of birth national origin ancestry cultural identity genetics or military status and does not tolerate any form of retaliation or biasbased intimidation threat or harassment that demeans individuals group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority