Educational Support Professional (Teaching AssistantParaprofessional) REACH Autism Program

Westford, MA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 12 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Student Support Services Educational Support Professional (ESP) - REACH Autism ProgramThis is a TEMPORARY position to start immediately and conclude at the end of the year (approximately June 17th).Unit E Contract 2025 - 2028Organizational Scope:Reporting directly to building based administration and an assigned cooperating teacher(s) and working under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement with Westford Education Association/Unit E the Educational Support Professional (ESP) advances the mission of WPS by developing curious lifelong learners who are responsible empathetic members of the community demonstrating innovation through a wide variety of opportunities within inclusive joyful learning environments that embrace their variability and honor their diversity. Position Responsibilities:The ESP plays a vital role in supporting students academic social and emotional growth within the educational setting. The ESP works closely with certified teachers to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. All ESPs are expected to communicate effectively with their cooperating teacher regarding student progress behavior and any concerns. As with all members of the school community ESPs must maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with school policies and legal requirements.Instructional support may include but not limited to:

providing one-on-one small group or whole group instruction to students with and without special needs reinforcing lessons and
adapting materials as directed by the teacher;
assisting students with completing assignments projects and activities offering guidance and encouragement.;
implementing instructional strategies and accommodations as directed by the teacher;
utilizing assistive technology and other specialized equipment to support student learning
reading tests aloud taking notes and providing other accommodations as directed by the teacher; and
helping students develop organizational and study skills.

Behavioral support may include but not limited to:

assisting the implementation of positive behavior support plans and strategies;
monitoring and redirecting student behavior promoting a positive and safe learning environment;
helping students develop social skills and appropriate interactions with peers; and
providing support during behavioral crisis following established protocols and training.

Overall classroom management support may include but not limited to:

assisting the teacher with classroom management organization and preparation of materials;
helping set up instructional materials visual aids and equipment;
maintaining a clean safe and orderly classroom environment; and
supervising students during transitions lunch recess and other non-instructional times.

In addition to the core responsibilities of ESPs as outlined above the specialized ESPs listed have additional duties described below.Classroom ESP: The preschool/kindergarten ESP assists the classroom teacher in providing effective instruction and support to all students in the general education classroom promoting their independence and maximizing their participation in learning activities. Given the developmental age some ESPs are asked to facilitate personal care including hand washing assisting with outer clothing especially in winter and toileting which may include escorting students to the bathroom or an occasional accident.Library Media ESP: The Library Media ESP assists the LIbrary Media Specialist with the daily operation of the school library. This includes providing support with clerical tasks (checking in and checking out books book repair inventory and shelving of books). The ESP provides instructional support by leading weekly library lessons. The ESP also provides students with age-appropriate instructional materials and electronic resources to enhance student learning. Special Education ESP: The Special Education ESP assists the teacher in general daily classroom activities provides individualized support to special needs students and attends to their physical emotional health and safety while affirming their abilities and promoting dignity in all interactions. Under the direction of a certified special education teacher or therapist the ESP helps implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) foster a positive and inclusive learning environment and support the overall well-being of students. As part of the Team professional staff members (teachers therapists counselors) consult with ESPs to provide accommodations modification and services agreed upon in a students IEP. ESPs may also be asked to collect data on student performance and behavior assist in tracking student progress towards IEP goals and document observations and provide feedback to the some cases personal Adaptive Daily Living Skills care such as supporting personal hygiene feeding dressing is required. Based on the level of care required an ESP may be asked to assist with physical transfer and positioning of students as directed by therapists and with proper Collection and Progress Monitoring is an important requirement in special education; therefore an ESP may be asked to collect data on student performance and behavior as directed by the teacher and assist in tracking student progress towards IEP goals.Job Qualifications:The ideal candidate will hold a high school diploma. Further formal education such as an associates or bachelor degree or demonstrate professional training is preferred. The candidate should possess:

solid communication skills and demonstrate interpersonal skills;
an ability to relate well with students staff administrators parents/caregivers and the community.
patience empathy and a genuine interest in working with students with and without special needs;
understanding of the unique needs of students with disabilities;
ability to work independently and as part of a team;
ability to maintain confidentiality; and
willingness to participate in required training such as behavior management techniques

Physical Demands:Physical demands vary in keeping with the assignment and age of the students but the position generally requires the ability to walk and stand on tile flooring occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and bend/twist regularly at the waist knees and neck. Some ESPs may be required to assist students with mobility including lifting and transferring (with training).Depending on the assignment much of the work is performed in a typical classroom environment. This may include everyday discomforts and distractions typical of a school setting such as proximity to students and colleagues temperature variations frequent interruptions and moderate noise. Must be able to assist in the protection of students and school property and assist in fire and other emergencies drills as required by law and School Committee policy.Terms of Employment:The Educational Support Professional is a Westford Public Schools Unit E position. Terms of employment including evaluation and salary are covered by the provisions of the Unit E collective bargaining agreement currently in effect.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority

Student Support Services Educational Support Professional (ESP) - REACH Autism ProgramThis is a TEMPORARY position to start immediately and conclude at the end of the year (approximately June 17th).Unit E Contract 2025 - 2028Organizational Scope:Reporting directly to building based administration an...