LCES Special Education Instructional Paraprofessional 2026-2027

Primary Purpose:
The Special Education Instructional Paraprofessional supports the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth of students with disabilities in grades K-2 by working under the direction of a special education teacher. This position provides direct support to students in both general and special education settings, implements accommodations and behavior plans, reinforces instruction aligned to IEP goals, and contributes to a positive, inclusive learning environment where all students can succeed.s.

Salary: paid as instructional paraprofessional at $20.35-$25.50/hour ($29,141-36,516) for 179 days. Salary Placement schedule here. *Contract work days and salary may change per spring negotiations.

Excellent Benefits include: 10 days of PTO, Health, Dental, and Vision insurance! PERA program - District contributes 21.4% monthly on behalf of employee. FLSA: Non-Exempt position

Supervisor Special Education Manager, Special Education Coordinator

Start Date August 3, 2026

Responsibilities

• Work one-on-one or in small groups with student(s) with special needs, in special education settings and general education settings
• Plan and deliver lessons from provided curriculum under the direction of the special education teacher, in accordance with IEP goals
• Maximize instructional time, minimizing interruptions and activities non-related to learning, utilizing all scheduled minutes for purposeful planning or learning
• Arrange and secure materials for the day’s activities
• Complete assigned tasks as given by supervisor and/or staff

• Observe and document student performance when requested
• Monitor student progress on goals according to supervisor/special education teacher direction or IEP
• Support students on IEPs with accommodations during assessments when applicable
• Reinforce subjects/behaviors that have been taught, across settings

• Assist teachers in maintaining the classroom environment
• Helping teach and model school-wide and classroom expectations and rules
• Support students when in crisis using de-escalation strategies (CPI, sensory interventions)
• Maintain a positive attitude, behavior and language towards students at all times
• Provide clear and consistent consequences for inappropriate behavior; implement behavior plans

• Provide appropriate modeling for students
• Working with students with sensory/processing disorders requiring competencies in patience, flexibility and consistency
• Attend medical trainings with the school nurse and provide supervision to students with medical concerns as necessary
• Follow all medical and behavioral escalation paths to seek help when appropriate
• Contact lead special education teacher with behavior or academic issues, as needed
• Participate in feedback/observation cycles with supervisor to improve teaching craft and student outcomes
• Cooperating/collaborating with building staff in order to support student growth
• Supervision of students in less structured environments (before/after school, lunchtime in the cafeteria, recess or other times during the day) within 8-hour work limits
• Use time constructively during the work day
• Adhere to all LCSD policies and procedures (including, but not limited to, attendance, conduct, staff-student relations, confidentiality and professionalism)

Qualifications:

• Applicants must hold a high school diploma or a GED
• Applicants must pass all required background checks and fingerprinting
• Hold a current Colorado substitute license (District will reimburse employee for this)
• Familiarity with students with a variety of disabilities preferred
• Familiarity with elementary education preferred
• Comfort with medical issues and interventions-ability to remain calm under pressure

DIVERSITY OF DUTIES: Duties require cross training in public relations, record keeping, report writing, and community resources. Duties extend within the assigned building on a daily basis.

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below 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 functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places due to climbing ladders to store items, and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and use interpersonal skills. Frequently required to compare, analyze, copy, coordinate, compute, synthesize, evaluate, compile, and negotiate. Occasionally required to instruct.