Special Education Paraprofessional

Deer River Schools•Deer River, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

King Elementary School is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Education Paraprofessional to support students with diverse learning needs in academic and social settings. The role involves working closely with students and teachers to foster an inclusive environment that promotes student growth and development. The paraprofessional supervises students and assists teachers in classroom, playground, cafeteria, bus-loading, and other school activities. The position includes supporting students with instructional and physical needs as directed by the supervising teacher, maintaining safety and order, preparing classroom materials and confidential files, assisting with student data collection, and performing minor clerical tasks. The paraprofessional is expected to respect students’ rights, encourage their participation and independence, maintain confidentiality, and collaborate with teachers, principals, staff, and families.

Requirements

AA/AS degree or higher, or equivalent college credits totaling 64 semester hours.
Passing score on a Para Assessment.
General understanding of public-school education.
Good human relations skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with teaching, administrative, and support staff.
Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding student matters.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with parents/guardians.
Ability to work harmoniously with students and teachers and collaborate closely with the teacher or principal.
Ability to perform trained duties, such as therapy or academic help.
Knowledge of classroom, playground, building, and bus routines, as well as safety and security procedures.
Ability to perform the stated physical demands, including occasional exertion of up to 30 pounds of force and lifting a minimum of 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience with children and their needs is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Supervise students and assist teachers in classroom, playground, cafeteria, bus-loading, and other school functions.
Assist students with activities as directed by the teacher and/or principal.
Maintain order, enforce disciplinary rules, supervise student safety, and maintain a harmonious atmosphere while on duty.
Prepare and duplicate materials as directed by the supervising teacher.
Prepare and update classroom-based confidential files as directed by the supervising teacher.
Maintain confidentiality regarding student and staff information.
Provide support to the classroom teacher, including minor clerical tasks as needed.
Respect students’ rights, help them participate in discussions that affect them, and encourage them to do as much as they can independently in the instructional environment.
Attend to students’ physical needs, including transporting, feeding, dressing, bathroom needs, and other needs as directed by the supervising teacher; physical restraint may be used as a last resort.
Assist with collecting data pertaining to students.
Take initiative and make decisions appropriate to the situation.
Perform other duties as apparent or assigned.