Paraprofessional – Autistic Support

Join our team as a Paraprofessional (Autistic Support) and help shape meaningful moments of progress for young learners.

Hours: M-F 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Position Overview:

The Paraprofessional in the Autistic Support (AS) Classroom at Royersford Elementary School provides direct, hands‑on support to a 2nd‑grade student with communication, behavioral, social, sensory, and academic needs. This role is essential in creating a structured, supportive, and engaging learning environment in collaboration with the classroom teacher and autism support team.

Students in this program may use AAC devices, PECS, visual schedules, prompting hierarchies, and individualized behavior plans. The paraprofessional helps implement these tools consistently to promote growth, independence, and meaningful participation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement discrete trial training, task analysis, and other autism‑specific instructional methods as directed.
• Prepare and use visual supports such as first-then boards, token systems, and picture schedules.
• Support students during academic centers, structured teaching tasks, and social skills groups.
• Model and prompt communication systems (AAC, PECS, sign language, visual supports).
• Reinforce expressive and receptive language skills aligned with IEP goals.
• Collaborate with speech‑language pathologists to carry out communication strategies.
• Follow individualized behavior intervention plans with consistency and fidelity.
• Use sensory supports such as movement breaks, calming tools, and sensory schedules.
• Assist students during dysregulation using proactive strategies and district‑approved crisis intervention protocols.
• Guide students through daily routines with clear visual and verbal prompts.
• Support transitions between activities, specials, lunch, and recess.
• Promote functional independence skills such as organization and self‑monitoring.
• Collaborate with teachers, BCBAs, therapists, and administrators.
• Collect accurate data on academic, behavioral, and communication progress.
• Support classroom management and contribute to a positive, structured learning environment.
• Attend IEP meetings when requested.
• Perform additional duties as needed to ensure safe and effective program operations.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma required.
• Experience with elementary‑age students preferred.
• Experience supporting students with autism or behavioral needs strongly preferred.
• Strong communication skills, flexibility, reliability, and rapport‑building ability.
• Ability to follow teacher direction, use computer systems, and maintain positive relationships.
• Reliable transportation - car required.

Clearances Required (Before Start Date)

All candidates must obtain and submit the following Pennsylvania‑required clearances prior to beginning employment:

• Act 114 - FBI Fingerprinting
• Act 151 - PA Child Abuse Clearance
• Act 34 - PA Criminal History Report
• Act 24 - Arrest/Conviction Report (PDE 6004)
• Act 126 - Mandated Reporter Training Certificate
• Current TB Test (within required timeframe)

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