PK-12 Paraeducators General/Special Education

Fairfield Community Schools•Fairfield, IA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Paraeducators support students’ academic, social, behavioral, communication, and physical needs so they can access instruction, participate in school activities, build relationships with peers, and develop independence. They collaborate with classroom teachers, special education teachers, and other educational team members to implement planned supports and reinforce instruction in general education, special education, and community-based settings. They work under the direction of licensed educators and building administration and do not independently assume responsibility for classroom instruction, curriculum decisions, student evaluation, or development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The position may involve support in classrooms and other assigned school or community settings. Duties and physical requirements vary by assignment. The position may require frequent or sustained standing, walking, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, and assisting with student mobility, as well as stair climbing, manual dexterity, occasional sitting, vehicle travel, and working indoors or outdoors in varying temperatures and humidity. Work must follow applicable 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 experience or willingness to acquire the skills and characteristics described for Fairfield Community School District positions, including adaptability, patience, respect for individual differences, active listening, professional communication, confidentiality, sound judgment, problem-solving, collaboration, and compliance with district policies and applicable laws.

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 the direction of 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, student-specific plans, and other supports as directed by licensed educators.
Use positive, proactive, and respectful strategies to support student regulation, engagement, behavior, communication, and participation.
Observe and document student progress, behavior, participation, and other information as requested.
Assist in 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 such as 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 participation in general education and inclusive settings, including opportunities to interact, learn, and develop peer relationships.
Help students access assignments, materials, and activities using teacher-identified prompts, visual supports, models, and other strategies.
Encourage students to complete tasks, make choices, communicate needs, and solve problems to the greatest appropriate extent while avoiding unnecessary assistance.
Organize student work folders, communication systems, visual schedules, and other assigned instructional materials.
Complete attendance records, data collection, progress-monitoring forms, and other documentation as directed.
Seek assistance when student needs exceed the paraeducator’s training or assigned role.
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.