Special Education Paraprofessional at Golden Charter Academy
Job Summary
Job Summary
The Golden Charter Academy is an innovative start-up charter school that opened in Fresno, CA in August 2021. It is a place-based, science-oriented school that emphasizes environmental stewardship, social justice, and equity. The instructional approach employs Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a strategy to provide successful pathways for student success in all learners. GCA has a formal partnership with the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, where students utilize the zoo as a living, educational laboratory. The Golden Charter Academy is seeking highly skilled and committed teachers for their charter school that is open for grades TK – 7th. GCA will be growing to include 8th grade in the 2026-27 school year. On February 24, 2025 GCA broke ground on it's new sustainable, green facility across the street from the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. The Special Education Paraprofessional will assist in the planning, development, and implementation of our student’s educational journey, while guiding and ensuring the safety of children as they engage in activities. Under the direction of the supervisor, provide instructional support and assistance to teachers and students assigned to a designated special education instructional program; perform a variety of instructional and support activities related to positive behavior management and classroom instruction of students; perform a variety of clerical support duties related to classroom and program activities.
Requirements / Qualifications
RESPONSIBILITIES •Assist assigned teacher with the development and implementation of lesson plans; assist in administering, proctoring and scoring tests and papers; assist in monitoring student progress; modify materials and explain instructions and words. •Assist in determining English proficiency of identified students as assigned by the position; explain and interpret results to appropriate parties. •Assist students with severe eating problems and monitor self-feeding students as assigned by the position; utilize gastronomy and suctioning equipment; take appropriate action when students have difficulty while eating. •Assist team members with the development and implementation of academic and behavioral support plans; reinforce positive behaviors and academic performance; reinforce social and behavioral skills as directed by assigned supervisor. •Direct group activities of students as needed; assist in monitoring recesses, assemblies and playgroup activities; accompany students on field trips as assigned; assist students in the development of social skills as directed. •Lift students in and out of wheelchairs, braces and other orthopedic equipment as assigned by the position; assist staff members in positioning students and in rendering various forms of personal care such as toileting, diapering, dressing, undressing, bathing and grooming. •Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE •High School Diploma, General Education Degree (GED) or State High School Proficiency certificate. •Completion of 48 semester units, an Associate's degree or higher or taken and passed the CBEST exam or successful completion of a rigorous, local, Paraeducator Academic Assessment. •Sufficient experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above. •Some positions within the classification may require formal demonstration of specific knowledge and skills within the special education area to which assigned.
- Letter of Introduction
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (2 Letters dated from 2024 to the present)
- Paraprofessional Testing (AA Degree or passing CBest Test)
- Resume
Requirements / Qualifications
RESPONSIBILITIES •Assist assigned teacher with the development and implementation of lesson plans; assist in administering, proctoring and scoring tests and papers; assist in monitoring student progress; modify materials and explain instructions and words. •Assist in determining English proficiency of identified students as assigned by the position; explain and interpret results to appropriate parties. •Assist students with severe eating problems and monitor self-feeding students as assigned by the position; utilize gastronomy and suctioning equipment; take appropriate action when students have difficulty while eating. •Assist team members with the development and implementation of academic and behavioral support plans; reinforce positive behaviors and academic performance; reinforce social and behavioral skills as directed by assigned supervisor. •Direct group activities of students as needed; assist in monitoring recesses, assemblies and playgroup activities; accompany students on field trips as assigned; assist students in the development of social skills as directed. •Lift students in and out of wheelchairs, braces and other orthopedic equipment as assigned by the position; assist staff members in positioning students and in rendering various forms of personal care such as toileting, diapering, dressing, undressing, bathing and grooming. •Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE •High School Diploma, General Education Degree (GED) or State High School Proficiency certificate. •Completion of 48 semester units, an Associate's degree or higher or taken and passed the CBEST exam or successful completion of a rigorous, local, Paraeducator Academic Assessment. •Sufficient experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above. •Some positions within the classification may require formal demonstration of specific knowledge and skills within the special education area to which assigned.
- Letter of Introduction
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (2 Letters dated from 2024 to the present)
- Paraprofessional Testing (AA Degree or passing CBest Test)
- Resume
Comments and Other Information
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
- Physical, mental, and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position
- Physical stamina sufficient to sustain light to medium physical labor for up to 8 hours, sit and/or walk for prolonged periods of time
- Physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment (office, district, school site to site) for sustained periods of time on hard flooring, climb slopes, stairs, ramps, and to respond to emergency situations
- Physical strength sufficient to periodically lift and/or carry 15 pounds of materials or supplies; occasionally lift 40 or more pounds with assistance
- Indoor/outdoor work environment
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. GCA does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, actual or perceived race, actual or perceived gender, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. GCA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a disability.
Comments and Other Information
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
- Physical, mental, and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position
- Physical stamina sufficient to sustain light to medium physical labor for up to 8 hours, sit and/or walk for prolonged periods of time
- Physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment (office, district, school site to site) for sustained periods of time on hard flooring, climb slopes, stairs, ramps, and to respond to emergency situations
- Physical strength sufficient to periodically lift and/or carry 15 pounds of materials or supplies; occasionally lift 40 or more pounds with assistance
- Indoor/outdoor work environment
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. GCA does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, actual or perceived race, actual or perceived gender, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. GCA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a disability.