26/27 Paraprofessional A - SOAR @ Westpark

Buckeye Elementary School District•Buckeye, AZ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraprofessional A assists with instruction and care for students with special needs in general education and self-contained classrooms, helping students meet goals in their Individual Education Program (IEP) plans. The role supports special education teachers in meeting students’ needs as outlined by the IEP team. Duties are determined by the team and may include supporting daily living skills, behavioral interventions, and schedule implementation. The paraprofessional uses district-approved de-escalation and restraint protocols and works collaboratively with teachers to support classroom instruction and student needs. This is a non-exempt, 10-month position for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, scheduled for 186 days and 38.5 hours per week. The base pay is $17.09 per hour, plus $0.25 per year of equivalent experience. Benefits begin after a 60-day probation period and include 10 days of sick/personal leave and ACA-compliant health insurance plans. Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System is provided.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Obtain and maintain an Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
First Aid, CPR, and AED certification upon hire or within 30 days of employment; in-person hands-on training and certification are required.
Excellent written or oral communication skills.
Experience working with school-age children.
Experience working with children with severe needs.
Professional development history demonstrating knowledge concerning students with severe needs.
Experience working with students at various instructional levels.
Computer skills, including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and student data systems.
Meet other qualifications the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including regularly lifting or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Ability to speak fluent Spanish.
Obtain and maintain certification in Nonviolent Physical Crisis Intervention.
Experience working in a reading intervention classroom.

Responsibilities

Assist teachers in administering, delivering, and evaluating instruction aligned with Arizona Academic Standards and each student’s IEP.
Perform team-assigned duties, which may include supporting daily living skills, behavioral interventions, and schedule implementation.
Use district-approved de-escalation and restraint protocols after training.
Communicate students’ needs and progress to classroom teachers and special education teachers.
Assist teachers in preparing for and conducting in-service workshops and demonstrations about appropriate educational methods and materials.
Provide collaborative classroom support to teachers working with students who have IEPs.
Help plan academically appropriate assignments for individual students in one-on-one or small-group settings.
Assist with developing special instructional programs for students with special needs.
Participate in professional development to effectively support students with more severe needs, including daily living skills, behavioral interventions, feeding, toileting, and medical protocols.
Consult frequently with teachers about student needs, suggestions, questions, problems, and IEPs.
Assist teachers with preparing instructional materials.
Respond to new ideas, methods, and suggestions from teachers.
Maintain a professional and flexible attitude and rapport with other staff members.
Interact appropriately with students in the classroom.
Encourage students to set and maintain classroom behavior standards and assist teachers with classroom discipline and control.
Move about the classroom and other settings, including carpeted areas and the playground, to monitor and work closely with students.