PK-12 Paraeducator Special 2026-2027 School Year $16.00/HR

Fairfield Community Schools•Fairfield, IA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

PK-12 paraeducators support students’ academic, social, behavioral, communication, and physical needs so students can access instruction, participate in school activities, develop relationships with peers, and build independence. They collaborate with classroom teachers, special education teachers, and other educational team members to implement planned supports, reinforce instruction, and promote participation in general education, special education, and community-based settings. Paraeducators work under the direction of licensed educators and building administration; they do not independently assume responsibility for classroom instruction, curriculum decisions, student evaluation, or developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The role may include providing individualized academic and classroom support; implementing assigned accommodations, modifications, and student-specific plans; observing and documenting progress and behavior; preparing instructional materials; supervising students; assisting with personal care, mobility, transitions, and safety; and supporting inclusion and independence. Duties vary by assignment and may take place in classrooms, other school locations, community settings, vocational environments, or work-based learning environments. The position is classified, non-exempt, and full-time/part-time as stated in the posting. The posted rate is $16.00 per hour. The position is available immediately and is open until filled. Physical requirements vary by assignment and must be performed in accordance with safety procedures and reasonable accommodations.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to establish respectful, positive relationships with students.
Ability to work cooperatively with teachers, students, families, and other staff.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Willingness to receive training and follow student-specific instructional, behavioral, safety, and support procedures.
Demonstrated adaptability, patience, and willingness to learn from experience and respond constructively to challenges.
Respect for individual differences and high expectations for students of all abilities.
Ability to use active listening and respectful communication, communicate professionally with diverse audiences, and maintain student confidentiality.
Sound judgment, observation, and problem-solving skills, including seeking guidance when a situation falls outside assigned responsibilities or training.
Ability to collaborate with teachers, paraeducators, related service providers, administrators, and other educational team members.
Ability to respect student dignity, strengths, preferences, communication methods, and individual differences.
Ability to comply with district policies, administrative regulations, applicable laws, and employee handbooks.

Nice To Haves

Previous classroom, youth-serving, or educational support experience.
Additional education, training, or certifications relevant to the assignment.
Successful work or volunteer experience supporting individuals with disabilities.
Experience supporting positive behavior, communication, social interaction, or student independence.
Supervisory experience with school-age children.

Responsibilities

Support teachers in implementing planned instructional activities and reinforcing academic skills.
Follow direction from classroom teachers, special education teachers, and building administrators within established roles and responsibilities.
Provide individualized support for participation in instruction and classroom routines while encouraging independence.
Implement assigned accommodations, modifications, and supports as directed by the responsible licensed educator.
Follow student-specific behavioral and support plans using positive, proactive, and respectful strategies.
Observe and document student progress, behavior, participation, and other information as requested by the supervising educator.
Assist with implementing and monitoring supports identified in students’ IEPs and other applicable educational plans under the direction of the responsible licensed educator.
Prepare, organize, and adapt instructional materials as directed.
Provide personal care, mobility, feeding, toileting, and other physical assistance when required, maintaining student dignity, privacy, and safety.
Support safe transitions, including bus loading and unloading, arrival, dismissal, and movement between activities.
Help maintain a safe, welcoming, and orderly instructional environment.
Supervise students in assigned settings, including classrooms, lunchrooms, playgrounds, hallways, transportation areas, and other school locations.
Reinforce teacher directions and clarify task expectations without replacing the teacher’s instructional role.
Participate in IEP meetings, team meetings, training, and other conferences when requested or required, contributing relevant observations within the paraeducator role.
Support student participation in general education and other inclusive settings, including interaction and relationship-building with peers.
Help students access assignments, materials, and activities using prompts, visual supports, models, and other teacher-identified strategies.
Encourage students to complete tasks, make choices, communicate needs, and solve problems to the greatest appropriate extent, avoiding unnecessary assistance.
Organize student work folders, communication systems, visual schedules, and other instructional materials as assigned.
Complete attendance records, data collection, progress-monitoring forms, and other documentation as directed.
Implement assigned strategies supporting communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and positive behavior, and seek assistance when student needs exceed training or assigned responsibilities.
Support students in school, community, vocational, and work-based learning environments as assigned, promoting participation, safety, and increasing independence.
Assist with lifting, transferring, positioning, and mobility needs when required, using appropriate training and safety procedures.
Represent Fairfield Community School District professionally in the community.