Santa Barbara Unified School District is in need of a Special Education Paraeducator I to work within Harding Preschool for the 2026/2027 school year. This position will be 6 or 6.5 hours a day. ASL and/or Sign Language Interpretation skills are a requirement as the selected candidate will be assisting a Deaf/ Hard of Hearing student.

Interviews will be ongoing so please apply soon if interested!

Title: Special Education Paraeducator I

Salary Schedule Range: 25 (from Step 1 to Step 5 DOE to start)

Additional Monthly Stipend available for sign language interpretation.

Purpose of Position: To assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students with disabilities in a mild-to-moderate or inclusion setting.

Reporting: Reports to a school site principal or other certificated administrator.

Employment Status: Full time, 6 or more hours per day (FLSA status, Non-exempt)

Location: Harding Preschool * 1625 Robbins St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Essential Functions:

Assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students with disabilities in a mild-to-moderate or inclusion setting; monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments in various academic subjects.

Assist students in completing classroom assignments, homework projects in various subject areas; assist with administering and monitoring students during tests as required.

Assist students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support; assure student understanding of classroom rules and procedures.

Read books and other materials to students and observe their reading ability as directed; assist students with letter and word pronunciation and recognition as directed; assist students with spelling and writing exercises and assignments.

Assist the teacher in monitoring student behavior and adherence to classroom or school rules and policies.

Collect data or work samples as directed by the teacher and/or perform a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities.

Assure the well-being of students by following health and safety practices and procedures; refer injured or ill students to appropriate staff as required.

Assist students with a variety of hygiene, personal care and/or medical activities including, but not limited to, catheterization, feeding, toileting, dressing, washing, or suctioning.

Direct group activities as assigned; assist in monitoring cafeteria, recess and playground activities; accompany students on field trips as necessary.

Maintain the confidentiality of student records and information.

Maintain punctual and consistent attendance.

Other Functions:

Perform related duties as assigned.

Participate in staff meetings, Professional Learning Community, or in-service meetings as directed.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

Inside work with no exposure to weather conditions and some outside work with exposure to weather conditions during outdoor activities or field trips.

Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone; seeing to read a variety of documents and to monitor students; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate office equipment; sitting or standing for extended periods of time, bending or stooping to assist students with learning activities, kneeling, crouching and walking; reaching overhead, above the shoulders or horizontally to store or retrieve materials.

Possible contact with hostile or abusive students with unpredictable behaviors including, but not limited to, yelling, hitting, kicking, scratching, biting, and eloping.

Ability to perform strenuous physical activities including pushing, lifting (up to 25 pounds), transferring students in wheelchairs, and running or brisk walking to prevent students from eloping.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of core subjects taught in K12 school districts; basic instructional strategies and techniques; general understanding of student learning styles or modalities; instructional techniques appropriate for handicapped/disabled students.

Knowledge of basic record-keeping techniques, including attendance, grades, and test scores.

Ability to communicate effectively with students and staff; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with parents or specialists; ability to relate to students individually or in small groups.

Ability to operate a variety of contemporary office equipment; operate PC or MAC computers, and mass market software or applications, including MS Office and Google Suite.

Ability to operate instructional equipment such as iPads; gather, distribute or collect instructional materials and supplies; collaborate with certificated teachers to meet student needs.

Ability to supervise students and follow established disciplinary and safety practices.

Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain school or district rules, policies or procedures.

Ability to use appropriate English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision or direction.

Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions.

Ability to meet schedules and timelines.

Education, Training and Experience:

Graduation from high school and one (1) year of experience in an instructional setting.

Additional Requirements:

Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification preferred.

ESSA Paraeducator requirement can be met by completion of ONE of the following:

SBUSD Paraeducator Math/Language Arts Assessment
California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
Completion of two (2) years college (48 semester units) or A.A. degree (or higher)

*This position is eligible for Language Services premium pay

Non Discrimination Statement:

The Santa Barbara Unified School District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived race or ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, immigration status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or disability, affiliation with Scouting America or other designated youth groups, association with a person or group having one or more of these characteristics, or any other basis protected by law, in its educational programs, activities, and employment. Direct questions or complaints to Student & Family Services, 720 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; (805) 963-4338, ext. 6278 or 6208 (English and Spanish); titleixucp@sbunified.org.

Special Education Paraeducator I - Preschool - ASL/Sign Language Interpreting Required