Special Education Paraprofessional

JOB TITLE: Special Education Instructional Paraprofessional (Elementary)

REPORTS TO: Principal

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

CATEGORY: Regular, Full-time, 10 months

PAY RANGE:

CAMPUS:

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

The Special Education Instructional Paraprofessional plays a critical role in supporting students with disabilities in grades K–8 by assisting in the implementation of instructional, behavioral, and social-emotional supports outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Working under the direct supervision of a certified special education teacher and/or classroom teacher, the paraprofessional helps ensure students have meaningful access to instruction in a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment.

This position involves providing targeted academic support to individual students and small groups, reinforcing instructional objectives, and assisting with accommodations and modifications across learning environments. The paraprofessional also supports behavior intervention plans (BIPs), social skills development, and self-regulation strategies to promote student success.

The ideal candidate demonstrates patience, flexibility, strong communication skills, a commitment to serving students with disabilities, and an ability to collaborate with teachers, related service providers, families, and administrators.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS:
Experience, Education, & Licensure (Prior to start date or within a designated onboarding period.)

• An associate’s degree or higher with coursework in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or a related field.
• Valid Arizona IVP fingerprint card is required for all Charter Employees.
• Valid certificate in CPR and first aid, HIV training, child abuse and neglect training, training on emergency preparedness, have a TB test to meet state health requirements, and have a current food handler’s card.
• Experience working with children and special needs students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with educational software.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal Special Education Instructional Paraprofessional is a compassionate, patient, and dedicated professional with a strong commitment to supporting students with disabilities in achieving academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth. They demonstrate an understanding of diverse learning needs, including students requiring accommodations, modifications, behavioral supports, and personal care assistance.

This individual works collaboratively with special education teachers and general education staff to implement IEPs with fidelity, support inclusive practices, and maintain a structured and supportive learning environment. They demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and a strong understanding of confidentiality requirements related to special education services.

The Special Education Instructional Paraprofessional demonstrates strong interpersonal and communication skills, fostering positive relationships with students, teachers, and families. They excel in collaborating with classroom teachers to implement instructional strategies and ensure that all students are engaged and included. Their adaptability and patience allow them to respond effectively to the dynamic nature of a classroom environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Instructional & IEP Support

• Provide direct instructional support to students individually or in small groups under teacher direction
• Assist in implementing IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications
• Reinforce academic, functional, communication, and social skills
• Support students in general education, resource, and/or self-contained settings
• Assist with data collection and progress monitoring as directed

Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support

• Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and positive behavior supports
• Support students with self-regulation, executive functioning, and social skills
• Utilize de-escalation strategies and proactive behavior supports as trained
• Model respectful, appropriate behavior for students and staff

Classroom & Program Support

• Assist with lesson preparation, classroom organization, and instructional materials
• Support lessons under teacher guidance
• Monitor classrooms to minimize distractions and support engagement
• Perform clerical tasks such as data entry, copying, filing, and record keeping
• Support extracurricular activities and school functions as assigned

Supervision & Student Care

• Supervise students during arrival, dismissal, transitions, lunch, recess, and other non-instructional times
• Assist students with physical, personal, or mobility needs when required, following training and safety protocols
• Maintain student dignity, safety, and confidentiality at all times

Family & Professional Collaboration

• Participate in lesson planning meetings and relevant school meetings
• Communicate observations to teachers and school staff

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned to support special education programming and school operations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, and the noise level is usually moderate but sometimes loud. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and extreme heat.

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $19