Job Description

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely

Job Posting End Date:

05-08-2026

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

Under the supervision of the School Administration, the Early Childhood Special Education Paraeducator assists students under the direction of their ESY Special Education Teacher. Special Education Paraeducators are expected to maintain a professional attitude toward their work and support the mission and goals of the school system.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must meet all of the following qualifications listed below to be considered for the vacancy.

Education:

• A minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent may be required.

​References:

• Two supervisory references will be requested prior to any offer of employment. A task action will be sent by your recruiter upon meeting job qualifications.

• Please gather contact information including email addresses for your current and most recent supervisors. References from co-workers, friends, neighbors and relatives will not be accepted.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

The list below is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

• Support the teacher or classroom they are assigned to

• Maintains a safe environment

• Uses materials provided by the teacher or other school personnel

• When needed, support students within the bathroom or to support feeding during snacks & meals

• Avoids engaging in or encouraging discussions of inappropriate or non-school related topics

• Become familiar with individual IEPs and school emergency procedures

• Notifies school administration of any unusual incidents which have occurred during the school day

• Reports suspected child abuse/neglect per Howard County Public School System policy

• Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

• Ability to communicate effectively with students and staff

• Ability to manage student behavior in a positive manner

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Training Dates:

6/26/25 and 6/27/25

Session Dates:

6/30/2025 - 7/25/25

Working Hours (Monday through Friday)

• Elementary: 8:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

• Middle & High: 7:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

A complete application must be submitted including an official proof of education Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. An incomplete application will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

The applicant must be eligible to work in the United States. Employment applications are accepted online only. A completed application must include the following:

• Anofficial proof of education may be required (a copy of official HS Transcript/ HS Diploma, official college transcript from an accredited college or university approved by the US Department of Education). Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please clickhere

• All employment and volunteer history from the past 10 years with no gaps including employment dates, position held, and name of the supervisor.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a temporary position. The hourly rate of pay is $18.97.

Benefits

HCPSS offers Sick and Safe Leave for eligible temporary employees. Additional information can be located on theHCPSS Website for temporary employees

Temporary employees are also eligible to participate in theSupplemental Retirement Savings Plans: 403(b).

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland

Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

For questions regarding this posting, please contactBarbara_Baker@hcpss.org and Kristin_Coranado@hcpss.org

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email humanresources@hcpss.org

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email humanresources@hcpss.org

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.