Early Childhood Paraeducator I: Special Education (Henry ES) - Colorado Springs School District 11

Colorado Springs School District 11 • Colorado Springs, CO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides instructional and behavioral support to students under the direction of a certified teacher. The paraeducator works with individuals and small groups to reinforce learning and develop academic, communication, and functional skills. Responsibilities include implementing accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies aligned with students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and monitoring, documenting, and reporting student progress and behavior in accordance with applicable requirements, including Medicaid documentation as applicable.

The role also supports classroom operations through material preparation, assessment and attendance assistance, and clerical and organizational tasks related to student services. The paraeducator helps create a structured, positive learning environment by reinforcing behavior plans and social-emotional development, and supporting students with daily routines, transitions, and independence. The position involves supervising and supporting students in multiple settings and responding to varied academic and behavioral needs throughout the school day.

The position is based at Henry Elementary School, reports to the Principal, and is listed as 0.88 FTE for 184 days per year. It is non-exempt. Compensation is based on the 2026–2027 ESP Salary Schedule for School Based Positions (Group B).

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• For Title I schools only: at least two years of study at an institution of higher education, an associate’s or higher degree, or demonstrated rigorous academic proficiency through a formal state or local assessment (such as ACT-Work Keys or ETS-ParaPro).
• Experience working with children with disabilities or in a related setting.
• Knowledge of special education instructional and behavioral support practices, IEPs, accommodations, modifications, autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities, behavior intervention and de-escalation techniques, data collection, progress monitoring, compliance requirements, classroom routines, school procedures, and assistive or educational technology.
• Ability to support individualized and small-group instruction aligned with IEP goals; implement IEPs and behavior plans; document and report student progress and behavior; and assist with daily living skills and routines as needed.
• Ability to de-escalate challenging situations, maintain a safe environment, and remain calm and effective in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, follow compliance requirements, communicate effectively with staff, students, and families, and collaborate and work independently across settings.
• Patience, flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively with students with disabilities, including behavioral and communication needs.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements described: lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 10 pounds frequently; perform occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, and overhead reaching; and frequently sit, stand, walk, balance, reach, and grasp.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree or higher in education or a related field.
• Bilingual skills relevant to the district population.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional and behavioral support under the direction of a certified teacher, working with individual students and small groups.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies aligned with students’ IEPs.
• Monitor, document, and report student progress and behavior; maintain accurate records aligned with IEP goals and compliance requirements, including Medicaid documentation as applicable.
• Prepare instructional materials, assist with assessments, record attendance, and complete required student-services paperwork.
• Assist students with classroom activities, daily routines, transitions, independence, and functional skill development.
• Reinforce behavior plans, social-emotional skills, and appropriate student behavior to promote a positive, structured learning environment.
• Supervise and support students in settings such as classrooms, playgrounds, lunchrooms, field trips, and other school activities.
• Perform clerical and organizational tasks, including data entry, filing, copying, laminating, inventory management, and ordering supplies.
• Assist with classroom logistics and events, including transitions, drills, and specialized programming needs.
• Use standard office and classroom technology to support instructional, behavioral, and documentation requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• For the 2026–2027 school year, non-recurring pay equal to 7% of base salary, distributed as 3.5% on the November paycheck and 3.5% on the May paycheck.
• Staffing Stability Incentive for ESP employees at Adams Elementary, Galileo Middle School, and Mitchell High School: the equivalent of one salary step divided over 12 pay periods.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED