Special Education Paraeducator

Fort Dodge Community School District•Fort Dodge, IA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Paraeducator assists teachers with the instruction, supervision, and care of students in a variety of settings, including special education, general education, work and community locations, early learning environments, and school buses, as assigned. The role supports educational activities, reinforces instruction and skills, monitors student performance, assists with Individual Education Plans, and helps maintain a safe and orderly learning environment. The paraeducator also supports student behavior plans and, when needed, provides personal care and physical assistance to students with disabilities. The position is assigned to the Early Childhood Center and reports to the Building Administrator. The contract is 190 days, or as assigned. Compensation is $15.07 per hour, with an additional $0.40 per hour for 60 or more college credits and $0.30 per hour for Para Certification/Sub Authorization. Positions assigned 30 or more hours per week, typically six hours per day, are eligible for a full benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance and paid leave. Work takes place primarily in classrooms and other school settings, including hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, buses, and field trip locations. The role may involve outdoor supervision in varying weather, regular exposure to classroom noise and communicable illnesses, and occasional exposure to bodily fluids. Physical activities include frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and sitting at student-height furniture; moving quickly to respond to student needs; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds; and, depending on assignment, assisting students with mobility, transfers, and personal care.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to engage students with special needs.
Ability to carry out duties cooperatively with others.
Ability to follow health, safety, and emergency procedures.
Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and sitting; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds; and, depending on assignment, assisting students with mobility, transfers, and personal care.

Responsibilities

Assist teachers with educational activities and reinforce teachers’ instructions and skills taught.
Help maintain a safe and orderly educational environment and follow health, safety, and emergency procedures.
Implement and monitor students’ Individual Education Plans and chart or graph student performance.
Assist students with completing work and prepare and organize instructional materials and equipment.
Follow student behavior management plans and implement strategies to maintain or increase appropriate behavior and reduce inappropriate behavior.
Supervise students in assigned locations and activities, including lunchroom, recess, halls, classrooms, bus loading and unloading, school buses, and community or work settings.
Assist with meal and snack preparation and cleanup, as needed.
Clean and sanitize the classroom environment.
Perform personal care duties, including feeding, toileting, and diapering students, as needed.
Lift, carry, and correctly position students with physical disabilities; assist with mobility and transfers as assigned.
Complete Medicaid documentation, as necessary.
Follow directions from teachers and administrators and maintain confidentiality.
Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
Attend work on a prompt and reliable basis and perform other duties as assigned.