Elementary School Special Education Paraprofessional (2026–27 School Year)

 

The Elementary School Special Education Paraprofessional provides instructional, behavioral, and clerical support to teachers and students in an elementary special education setting. Under the direction of certified special education teachers and building administrators, the paraprofessional assists in implementing individualized educational programs, supporting student learning, and fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for students with diverse abilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist special education teachers with classroom instruction, organization, and daily classroom management.
• Work one-on-one or with small groups of students to reinforce academic, communication, social, behavioral, and functional life skills.
• Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined in students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) under the supervision of certified staff.
• Support students with personal, behavioral, emotional, and academic needs while promoting independence and self-advocacy.
• Monitor and document student progress, behavior, and observations as directed by supervising teachers.
• Assist students with transitions throughout the school day, including arrival, dismissal, specials, recess, lunch, and other school activities.
• Provide supervision and support during classroom, playground, cafeteria, assemblies, field trips, and other school activities.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain instructional materials, assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and classroom resources.
• Collaborate with special education teachers, general education teachers, related service providers, and administrators to support student success.
• Assist with personal care, mobility, feeding, toileting, or other health-related needs as assigned and in accordance with district procedures and student care plans.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes student engagement, safety, and social-emotional development.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all district policies, procedures, and professional standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or two years of postsecondary education preferred.
• Must meet applicable state or district paraprofessional certification requirements (e.g., ParaPro Assessment).
• Prior experience working with elementary-aged children and/or students with disabilities in an educational, childcare, or related setting preferred.
• Knowledge of child development and the ability to support students with a variety of learning, behavioral, communication, and physical needs.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with young students while maintaining consistent expectations and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Flexibility to work with diverse student populations across classrooms and programs as assigned.

Working Conditions

• May include physical activity such as standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting, transferring, and assisting students weighing up to 50 lbs. with appropriate training and equipment.
• Positions are available in multiple elementary school buildings, with assignments based on student needs and staffing priorities.
• May work with students requiring academic, behavioral, emotional, communication, medical, or physical support.
• May be reassigned to other classrooms, buildings, or programs based on district and student needs.