Para Special Education High Incidence (2026-2027 School Year)

Wichita Public Schools•Wichita, KS

21h

About The Position

Under the supervision of an administrator and the direction of certificated or licensed staff, the Para Sped High Incidence assists teachers in educating students, including providing instructional assistance and supporting organization, record keeping, behavior management, classroom safety, and communication with students, support staff, and parents. Students served may have cognitive, communication, social, behavioral, or emotional disabilities and may need instruction in academic or adaptive behavior skills. The position is offered at 0.75 FTE, or 30 hours per week, for the 2026–2027 school year. The paraeducator supports classroom instruction and routines, student engagement, behavior plans, integration into regular education settings, technology use, self-advocacy, and the development and implementation of Individual Education Plans. Duties may include supervising students and school activities, assisting with community-based instruction and transportation, providing personal care, and caring for medical needs under the direct supervision of a school nurse or other appropriate professional. The employee may travel between buildings and must maintain confidentiality and professional relationships with students, families, and staff.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
For paraeducators working in a Title School, at least 48 accredited college credits verifiable by transcript or passing a state-approved assessment.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with people inside and outside the organization.
Ability to communicate with a supervisor when their discretion is needed.
Ability to work effectively as a team member and handle diverse situations with tact and diplomacy.
Ability to plan, organize, make decisions, prioritize work, and use good judgment on recurring assignments.
Professional manner, positive attitude, confidentiality, and appropriate professional dress and appearance.
Ability to respond promptly to student emergencies, which may include using physical restraint techniques.
Ability to work in various weather conditions; walk long distances; stand for long periods; bend, twist, balance, stoop, climb steps, and reach overhead.
Manual dexterity, physical ability, and stamina for a full day of physical activity; ability to see and hear well.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 20 pounds.
Ability to work scheduled hours and perform assigned duties unless approved leave has been granted.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of sign language modalities, Braille, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI), or other specialized skills, where relevant to the position.
In-service training, training, or coursework in first aid, signs and symptoms of child abuse, or signs and symptoms of illness, where required.

Responsibilities

Supervise students in classroom settings as directed by the teacher and help manage classroom routines and procedures.
Assist with behavior interventions, redirecting students, assessing and defusing crisis situations, documenting occurrences, implementing behavior plans, and charting student behavior.
Supervise school activities on or off campus during the instructional day.
Help students travel to and from assigned areas, integrate into regular education classrooms, and access buses and transportation.
Assist with classroom setup for group instruction, projects, and activities, and support the integration and use of classroom technology.
Provide individual or group instruction, including academic support after the teacher has provided initial instruction.
Support student engagement with the curriculum, self-advocacy, learning through questioning and discussion, child development, and language acquisition.
Provide feedback to students and teachers and assist teachers with instructional design and follow-through.
Assist with developing and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and planning and delivering community-based instruction.
Communicate with students, parents, instructional staff, and support staff as directed by an administrator or classroom teacher.
Maintain confidentiality regarding students, staff, and related issues; model appropriate behavior and maintain professional rapport with teachers and staff.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, professional learning communities, and parent conferences as required.
Complete at least 20 hours of in-service training annually; after three years, the minimum is 10 hours annually.
Assist with student medical needs under the direct supervision of a school nurse or other appropriate professional.
Assist students with basic needs, including self-care, hygiene, feeding (which may include tube feeding), toileting, diapering, dressing, and physical transfers.
Travel between buildings or assignments when necessary and perform additional duties assigned by the supervisor.
Follow district equipment-use guidelines and use equipment required for the position.
Work assigned hours punctually, obtain prior approval for deviations from assigned hours, and dress appropriately for the position.