SY2026-27 Elementary School Special Education Paraprofessional

Who We Are

• A tuition-free, open enrollment, K-12 charter school in the southeast community of Colorado Springs
• Preparing and empowering all of our students for success on their post-graduate paths through educational excellence, character development, and community engagement
• Dedicated to student proficiency through academic rigor and robust family support through the Atlas family scholarship
• Dedicated to our staff through offering a competitive total rewards package and providing meaningful professional development

Who We Serve

• 92% Socioeconomically Disadvantaged
• 86% Hispanic, 6% African American, 7% White, and 1% Asian
• 56% English Language Learners

What You’ll Do

Supportive Learning Environment  

• Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment for students with special needs 
• Foster an atmosphere of respect, empathy, and understanding among students 
• Collaborate with teachers to develop and implement behavior management strategies 
• Assist in maintaining a safe and organized learning environment 

Student Assistance  

• Provide one-on-one support to students with special needs 
• Implement instructional materials under the guidance of the special education teacher 
• Assist students with assignments, classwork, and assessments as necessary 
• Support students during transitions between activities and classrooms 
• Encourage independence and self-advocacy skills in students

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)  

• Collaborate with the special education team to implement student's IEPs 
• Collect data and document student progress towards IEP goals and objectives under the guidance of the special education teacher 
• Participate in IEP meetings and provide input on student progress and needs 
• Communication and Collaboration  
• Maintain open and regular communication with teachers, administrators, and parents/guardians
• Report student progress, concerns, and incidents to appropriate staff members. 
• Collaborate with the teaching team to plan and implement appropriate instructional strategies
•  Attend relevant meetings, workshops, and professional development sessions as required 

Administrative Support  

• Assist with clerical duties such as record-keeping, filing, and organizing classroom materials
• Help with classroom set-up and preparation of instructional materials 
• Support students during lunchtime, recess, and other non-academic activities 
• Accompany students during field trips and other off-campus activities 
• Perform other related tasks and duties and assigned 

Compensation & Schedule 

• Hourly/Non-Exempt
• $18.24 – $21.42 per hour (DOE)
• Full Time; Monday – Friday; Occasional evenings as necessary

Benefits

• Approximately 13 weeks of school breaks
  • Please note hourly positions are not annualized at Atlas and compensation is based upon actual hours worked.
• 30 hours of annual flex time and 48 hours of annual sick time 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account
• Participation in the Colorado PERA retirement program (required in lieu of social security as a public employee)
• 100% Employer paid short and long-term disability benefit 
• 100% Employer-paid life insurance benefit of $25,000 (option to purchase more)
• Access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of employee discounts 

Annual Calendar and SY2026-27 Start Date

• Annual Workdays: 199 
  • Following years will not include new staff orientation and will consist of 196 workdays.
• Start Date: July 13, 2026 

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to pass all required background screening
• Ability to work safely and effectively with children while effectively utilizing feedback toward growth
• Possess and demonstrate basic math, writing, and communication skills
• Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills necessary to communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues
• Must display patience, empathy, and have the ability to work with diverse populations
• Ability to follow instructions, adapt quickly, and maintain confidentiality
• Must have the appropriate physical stamina to assist students with mobility, when required
• Be committed to creating a rigorous, nurturing, and joyful educational experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of computer programs to include Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, etc.

Desired Qualifications

• Bilingual; Spanish & English
• Prior paraprofessional experience within an urban classroom setting
• Strong knowledge of various disabilities and familiarity with different learning strategies
• Demonstrated evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
• A growth mindset and willingness to use feedback as a way to improve practice

Essential Job Functions

• Prolonged periods of standing and sitting 
• Must be able to fulfill all de-escalation techniques as indicated within the Crisis Prevention Institute guidelines
• Must be able to reach, stoop, kneel, push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds at times 
• Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the school and other facilities as needed
• Must be able to successfully abide by all policies and procedures of Atlas Schools

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Position Closes: When Filled

Salary : $18 - $21