Paraeducators

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What jobs do paraeducators typically have over the summer when school is closed?

They don't get paid during any of the MCPS days off (vacations, holidays, summer etc). Since their earning potential during the school year is so limited, many of them try to find summer work. Some of them babysit, nanny or work for KAH or Bar Tee.

I know a bunch of former SAHM who work as paras. For them it's not the money (because it's peanuts) but a way to get out of the house and re-enter the workforce. Some of them have gone on to become teachers. The good thing with SAHMs is that all the ones I know are pretty well educated-many with advanced degrees etc., They mostly don't mind the days off and summer break. Obviously there are paras who need the money but it's really hard to justify being a para and making less than your kid does babysitting plus most have no benefits.

If you're a permanent para working at least 4 hours a day you get benefits. It's the 1:1 temps that get screwed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What jobs do paraeducators typically have over the summer when school is closed?

They don't get paid during any of the MCPS days off (vacations, holidays, summer etc). Since their earning potential during the school year is so limited, many of them try to find summer work. Some of them babysit, nanny or work for KAH or Bar Tee.

I know a bunch of former SAHM who work as paras. For them it's not the money (because it's peanuts) but a way to get out of the house and re-enter the workforce. Some of them have gone on to become teachers. The good thing with SAHMs is that all the ones I know are pretty well educated-many with advanced degrees etc., They mostly don't mind the days off and summer break. Obviously there are paras who need the money but it's really hard to justify being a para and making less than your kid does babysitting plus most have no benefits.

If you're a permanent para working at least 4 hours a day you get benefits. It's the 1:1 temps that get screwed.

Which is absurd.

[Anonymous]

For those of you insisting that paras get benefits, sick days, etc….it all depends on the way the position has been designated. Any job with “tpt” in the title means temporary part-time & those employees do not get any benefits.
“Temporary part-time” is a bit of a misnomer though because you can work the full school day (7 hours of work, lunch is not included or paid time) and that is 35 hrs of work/week. The position is also for the full school year, so not temporary. I know of 4 tpt paras at the school that I work at. Generally they start most paras off as tpt & then after a year or more you can apply for a para position w benefits. There is a para at my school who has been tpt for many years (5plus at least). I’m not sure what the issue is, maybe performance related?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For those of you insisting that paras get benefits, sick days, etc….it all depends on the way the position has been designated. Any job with “tpt” in the title means temporary part-time & those employees do not get any benefits.
“Temporary part-time” is a bit of a misnomer though because you can work the full school day (7 hours of work, lunch is not included or paid time) and that is 35 hrs of work/week. The position is also for the full school year, so not temporary. I know of 4 tpt paras at the school that I work at. Generally they start most paras off as tpt & then after a year or more you can apply for a para position w benefits. There is a para at my school who has been tpt for many years (5plus at least). I’m not sure what the issue is, maybe performance related?

Understood, but it is ridiculous that full-time 1:1s generally don't get benefits.

[Anonymous]

I am the poster starting w “For everyone insisting…”

My post was in response to the person who was saying that if you work more than 4 hours you get benefits. I think my post came off the wrong way as I am in full agreement that paras, 1to 1 aides should get benefits.

I only meant to correct the incorrect info by that poster because not every para does get benefits, even though I think they should

[Anonymous]

A lot of the temp paras need to get credentialed before they can become permanent. Either by transcript or taking classes.

[Anonymous]

I know one of our TPT paras can't apply for a permanent para position because she hasn't passed the para pro test. If you cannot pass that test, you can't get a permanent spot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know one of our TPT paras can't apply for a permanent para position because she hasn't passed the para pro test. If you cannot pass that test, you can't get a permanent spot.

Equal pay for equal work

[Anonymous]

Will paraeducators be on hand during elementary school orientation? Can families meet the adults who will be supervising students during some portion of the school day, such as during lunch and recess?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Will paraeducators be on hand during elementary school orientation? Can families meet the adults who will be supervising students during some portion of the school day, such as during lunch and recess?

Paraeducators' first day of work is 8/21. Whether they're at orientation probably depends on their individual schedules.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know one of our TPT paras can't apply for a permanent para position because she hasn't passed the para pro test. If you cannot pass that test, you can't get a permanent spot.

Are there any good practice tests?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Will paraeducators be on hand during elementary school orientation? Can families meet the adults who will be supervising students during some portion of the school day, such as during lunch and recess?

Paraeducators' first day of work is 8/21. Whether they're at orientation probably depends on their individual schedules.

Ask your kid's school if they'll have paras that day. After school starts, sometimes they are on car line duty in morning or afternoon. Or if you can, volunteer after first month of school to help out during lunch or recess. You'll meet them then.

[Anonymous]

Volunteer if you can during lunch recess!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Volunteer if you can during lunch recess!!!

It'll be an eye-opener if nothing else!

[Anonymous]

Question for experienced paras, do you go in tomorrow (first scheduled workday)? Or do you wait for the specific school schedule (don't have it yet)?