PK-12 Paraeducator Special 2026-2027 School Year $16.00/HR

TITLE: PK-12 Paraeducators General/Special Education

DEPARTMENT: School Campus as Assigned

REPORTS TO: Building Principal

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Classroom Teachers, Special Education Teachers, and Other Assigned Licensed Educators

BASIC FUNCTION (BF1): Support students' academic, social, behavioral, communication, and physical needs so they can access instruction, participate meaningfully in school activities, develop relationships with peers, and build independence. Paraeducators work collaboratively with classroom teachers, special education teachers, and other members of the educational team to implement planned supports, reinforce instruction, and promote student participation across general education, special education, and community-based settings.

Paraeducators work under the direction of licensed educators and building administration. They do not independently assume responsibility for classroom instruction, curriculum decisions, student evaluation, or the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). 

SKILLS AND JOB FUNCTIONS (SJF1-11)

For all Fairfield Community School District positions

Demonstrated Experience or Willingness to Acquire Skills:

1. Embraces and demonstrates the characteristics outlined in the Fairfield CSD Portrait of a Trojan.
2. Supports the District's mission, vision, and commitment to ensuring all students have meaningful opportunities to learn and participate.
3. Demonstrates adaptability, patience, and a willingness to learn from experience and respond constructively to challenges.
4. Respects individual differences and maintains high expectations for students of all abilities.
5. Uses active listening and respectful communication to understand students, colleagues, and families.
6. Communicates effectively and professionally with diverse audiences while maintaining student confidentiality.
7. Uses sound judgment, observation, and available information to respond to student needs and classroom situations.
8. Demonstrates problem-solving skills and seeks guidance when a situation falls outside assigned responsibilities or training.
9. Collaborates with teachers, paraeducators, related service providers, administrators, and other members of the educational team.
10. Demonstrates respect for student dignity, strengths, preferences, communication methods, and individual differences.
11. Complies with Fairfield Community School District Board policies, administrative regulations, applicable laws, and employee handbooks.

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS (HS1-22):

Demonstrated Experience or Willingness to Acquire Skills

1. Support teachers in implementing planned instructional activities and reinforcing academic skills.
2. Follow the direction of classroom teachers, special education teachers, and building administrators within established roles and responsibilities.
3. Provide individualized support that helps students participate in instruction and classroom routines while encouraging appropriate independence.
4. Implement assigned accommodations, modifications, and supports as directed by the responsible licensed educator.
5. Follow student-specific behavioral and support plans, using positive, proactive, and respectful strategies to promote regulation, engagement, and participation.
6. Observe and document student progress, behavior, participation, and other information as requested by the supervising educator.
7. Assist in implementing and monitoring supports identified in students' IEPs and other applicable educational plans, under the direction of the responsible licensed educator.
8. Prepare, organize, and adapt instructional materials as directed to support student access and participation.
9. Provide personal care, mobility, feeding, toileting, and other physical assistance when required by student needs and assigned duties, while maintaining dignity, privacy, and safety.
10. Support safe transitions, including bus loading and unloading, arrival, dismissal, and movement between school activities.
11. Help maintain a safe, welcoming, and orderly instructional environment that supports the participation of all students.
12. Supervise students in assigned settings, including classrooms, lunchrooms, playgrounds, hallways, transportation areas, and other school locations.
13. Reinforce teacher directions and clarify task expectations without replacing the teacher's instructional role.
14. Participate in IEP meetings, team meetings, training, and other conferences when requested or required, contributing relevant observations within the scope of the paraeducator role.
15. Support student participation in general education classrooms and other inclusive settings, including opportunities to interact, learn, and develop relationships with peers.
16. Assist students in accessing assignments, materials, and classroom activities by using appropriate prompts, visual supports, models, and other strategies identified by the teacher.
17. Encourage students to complete tasks, make choices, communicate needs, and solve problems to the greatest extent appropriate, avoiding unnecessary assistance.
18. Organize student work folders, communication systems, visual schedules, and other instructional materials as assigned.
19. Complete attendance records, data collection, progress-monitoring forms, and other documentation as directed.
20. Implement assigned strategies to support communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and positive behavior, seeking assistance when student needs exceed the paraeducator's training or assigned role.
21. Support students in school, community, vocational, and work-based learning environments as assigned, promoting participation, safety, and increasing independence.
22. Assist with lifting, transferring, positioning, and mobility needs when required, using appropriate training and safety procedures, and represent Fairfield Community School District professionally in the community. 

ABILITIES (A1):

This position may require frequent or sustained standing, walking, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, and assisting with student mobility, depending on the assignment. The position may also require stair climbing, manual dexterity, occasional sitting and vehicle travel, and work in indoor and outdoor environments with varying temperatures and humidity.

Physical requirements will vary by assignment and must be performed in accordance with applicable safety procedures and reasonable accommodations. 

KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATION (KE1-5 and KED1-5):

Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to establish respectful, positive relationships with students.
• Ability to work cooperatively with teachers, students, families, and other staff.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness to receive training and follow student-specific instructional, behavioral, safety, and support procedures.

Desired:

• Previous classroom, youth-serving, or educational support experience.
• Additional education, training, or certifications relevant to the assignment.
• Successful work or volunteer experience supporting individuals with disabilities.
• Experience supporting positive behavior, communication, social interaction, or student independence.
• Supervisory experience with school-age children. 

POSITION INVENTORY: 

CLASSIFICATION: Classified

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

FT/PT: Full-Time/Part Time

All duties and responsibilities are subject to applicable law and reasonable accommodation. This job description identifies the general scope and expectations of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Employees may be assigned other job-related responsibilities consistent with their classification, training, and applicable laws and policies.
Notice of Non-Discrimination-public notice: It is the policy of the Fairfield Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity       and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and it its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the district's Equity Coordinator, Evan Marten, Chief Financial Officer/ Human Resource Director Fairfield Community School District ACT Center Central Office, 403 South 20th St., Fairfield, IA 52556 Telephone: (641)472-2655.  Email: evan.marten@fairfieldsfuture.org
 

Salary : $16