Background and Overview

Paraprofessionals will provide assistance to students who have significant social/emotional/behavioral challenges. We seek candidates who have experience with data collection, crisis prevention and intervention strategies, and experience working with students who have emotional and/or behavioral challenges, including aggression, self-injurious behavior, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.

There are many different and diverse fields that paraprofessionals can assist in with the Public Schools of Brookline. Paraprofessionals can be school-based or work across the district, and may be needed in both general education Pre-K to 1st grade classrooms and/or special education programs. In particular, the Public Schools of Brookline utilize Special Education paraprofessionals in the following areas:

• Adaptive Learning Center Program: This program services students with both complex academic and medical profiles. Some students have medically complex profiles. The Adaptive Learning Center (ALC) serves students in grades K-8 who have a wide range of disabilities including developmental, physical and cognitive disabilities.
  
  
• Language & Academic Home Base (LAHB): This program serves students in grades K-12 of average or above average cognitive abilities for whom learning is challenging due to specific learning disabilities in one or more of the basic perceptual processes involved in understanding or using written or spoken language. These disabilities may manifest themselves in problems of listening, thinking, speaking, reading, writing, spelling and/or performing mathematical calculations. Instruction is provided in small groups. Students receive remediation in their weaker skills and are taught compensatory strategies that draw on their stronger learning areas. Students may be in general education classes and are provided additional support, when deemed neessary. Speech and language services are integral to this program. Consultation is provided to general education staff members.
  
  
• Reaching for Independence Through Structured Education (RISE): A team approach to service delivery is utilized for students in grades K-12 participating in the RISE program. These students receive academic instruction, social skills training, behavioral intervention and related services. Services are provided in range of settings from substantially separate to full inclusion in a general education classroom. A primary focus for all RISE students is to increase independence with a variety of skills including self-help, social skills, behavior management, academics, communication, and executive functioning.
  
  
• Theraputic Learning Center (TLC): The TLC is a special education and supportive service based program for students in grades K-8 with a history of emotional disabilities which impact their learning. The TLC provides the following as deemed necessary by each individual student’s IEP; direct instruction in a separate setting, support in general education, adaptations of the educational environment, positive behavior intervention plans, instruction in relaxation techniques and counseling.
• ExCEL: The ExCEL program is a substantially separate therapeutic learning environment where community building and self-discovery are emphasized in order to improve student academic behavior and performance. Students in grades 9-12 will be active participants as they learn the skills needed to be successful in both academic and social settings. The ExCEL program is designed for students who benefit from daily structure, clear behavioral expectations, consistency and a smaller community.

Additionally, Special Education Paraprofessionals may work with students through Community Paraprofessionals, One-on-one programs, and other Positive Behavioural Supports. You may find more information on our Special Education programs here.

Apply to be a paraprofessional today!

For more information, please email or call:

Christine Nilan
christine_nilan@psbma.org
617-730-2413

Applicants will be contacted via email to come in for an introductory interview. Hiring is subject to a criminal background check. 

The Public Schools of Brookline do not discriminate in its programs, facilities, employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, disability, pregnancy, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.