Special Education Paraprofessional

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools • Kansas City, MO

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Paraprofessional works under the supervision of a certified Special Education Teacher to support students with disabilities in accessing instruction, developing independence, and making progress toward IEP goals. The role assists with academic instruction, behavior support, daily living skills, and personal care as needed, ensuring services comply with IDEA, Missouri DESE regulations, and GCCS policies. The Paraprofessional supports students’ social, physical, and intellectual growth and persistence toward graduation.

The role collaborates with teachers on classroom routines and instruction, provides small-group and individual support under teacher direction, and helps implement IEP-aligned activities, accommodations, and modifications. It may include remaining with assigned students throughout the school day, supporting transitions and functional skills, providing behavior support, and assisting with personal care and mobility needs. The Paraprofessional also works with families, school staff, administrators, and related service providers; attends required meetings and training; and provides brief classroom coverage when a teacher steps out but remains in the building.

The position is with Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools, a public charter school system serving PreK–12 students in Kansas City, Missouri. The school system’s mission is to prepare students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success.

Requirements

• Minimum of 60 college credit hours.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and supportive in high-need or high-stress situations.
• Understanding of IDEA, IEPs, 504 Plans, and special education practices.
• Ability to follow instructional plans and behavior support strategies with fidelity.
• Commitment to serving underserved, culturally and linguistically diverse students.
• English language ability is required.
• ASL proficiency is required for Deaf/Hard of Hearing assignments.
• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds and assist students with physical and mobility needs.
• Ability to kneel, sit on the floor, crawl, push, pull, and reposition as needed.
• Ability to access and navigate all areas of the school and facilities.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education preferred.
• Experience working with students with disabilities preferred.
• Experience in an urban school setting preferred.
• Spanish language ability preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers in team teaching, planning, and daily classroom routines.
• Provide small-group and individual instruction under teacher direction.
• Assist with implementing curriculum, lesson plans, and instructional activities.
• Prepare and organize instructional materials and learning environments.
• Support the use of technology and assistive tools to enhance student learning.
• Implement individual and group activities aligned to students’ IEPs.
• Support students with accommodations and modifications across instructional settings.
• Remain with assigned students throughout the school day, including transitions and non-classroom settings, as required.
• Assist students in practicing daily living and functional skills when appropriate.
• Provide direct supervision and behavior support using positive, trauma-informed strategies.
• Assist with assigned personal care needs, including toileting, diapering, and feeding.
• Lift, transfer, and physically assist students safely in accordance with training and student needs.
• Maintain student dignity, safety, and confidentiality.
• Work cooperatively with teachers, administrators, related service providers, families, and school staff.
• Support parent involvement activities and school programs as requested.
• Communicate effectively with students and adults while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Attend required professional development, staff meetings, and trainings.
• Provide short-term classroom coverage when the teacher briefly steps out but remains in the building.
• Apply knowledge of human development, learning styles, motivation, and behavior.
• Use American Sign Language when assigned to Deaf/Hard of Hearing students.
• Apply Spanish language skills when appropriate to support student communication.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level.
• Relocation stipend for qualifying hires.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education, up to a lifetime cap per GCCS policy.
• Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs.
• 403(b) retirement match up to 5% for eligible staff.
• Perfect attendance incentive program up to $1,600 annually.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.

What This Job Offers

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