Paraprofessional, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) - (Starts at $21.76 per hour)

Omaha Public Schools • Omaha, NE

13d • $22 • Onsite

About The Position

This position involves working with children in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs. The paraprofessional will support teachers in various classroom activities, assist students with daily tasks and transitions, and help maintain a safe and organized learning environment. The role requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to the physical demands of working with young children. The position starts in August 2026 and runs through May, aligning with the academic school year.

Requirements

• An Associate's degree, OR completion of 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours at an institution of higher learning, OR demonstrated proficiency in the ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing and mathematics via state or locally approved competency test.
• Must be able to physically interact with children, including bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, lifting, climbing and walking.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Must be flexible and able to adapt to sudden changes.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to demonstrate appropriate communication skills.
• Evidence of good mental and physical health.
• Dependable with good work attendance record.
• Skills pertinent to positive human relationships and ability to work effectively with instructional staff, students, parents, administration and the community.
• Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining “Highly Qualified status,” etc.), as identified and maintaining all licenses, certificates, and requirements for your position throughout employment.
• A background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position.
• Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination to determine ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's Degree or Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) preferred.
• Willingness to complete early childhood education coursework.
• Knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Working with children individually or in small groups under teacher direction.
• Assigned to miscellaneous duties around the classrooms, such as preparing materials, readying equipment, cleaning, preparing snacks, and duplicating materials.
• Assisting children in specific arts and crafts activities.
• Assisting/accompanying students during transitions in and out of the ECSE classroom.
• Assisting the teacher in routine reporting and accounting of student information.
• Assisting the teacher in helping students remove and put on outer apparel.
• Assisting in positioning and bracing of students.
• Helping in unusual situations, such as field trips, fire drills, and tornado drills.
• Observing and recording behavior, and assisting in the utilization of techniques designed by the teacher.
• Assisting students in toileting and self-care activities, including washing, brushing teeth, and diapering.
• Assisting with lifting students.
• Other duties as assigned by the teacher and/or supervisor.

Benefits

• Wages are administered consistent with negotiated agreement or board adopted salary schedule.
• Omaha public schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
• The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree