Special Education Paraprofessional

Job Title: Special Education Assistant (Part B) FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Prepared/Revised Date: December 3, 2025 Days: 183 - 203

POSITION SUMMARY: The Special Education Assistant fosters the inclusion and growth of children ages 3–5 with diverse learning needs by supporting the Early Childhood Special Education teacher and related service providers. Responsibilities include assisting with lesson preparation and delivery, documenting student progress, ensuring the safety and well-being of children, promoting active children engagement, and helping implement both specialized instruction and the general curriculum.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this position effectively, an individual must be capable of fulfilling each essential responsibility to an acceptable standard. The qualifications outlined below reflect the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this role. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to support individuals with disabilities in performing the essential functions.

• Provide direct support to children with disabilities and developmental delays in inclusive and specialized preschool classrooms.
• Assist in implementing Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals through structured activities, play-based learning, and daily routines tailored to each child’s needs.
• Support adaptive behavior strategies and encourage positive social interactions among peers.
• Collaborate with lead teachers, special education staff, and related service providers (e.g., speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists).
• Assist with students' daily routines, toileting/diapering, mobility support, and dietary needs.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and engaging learning environment.
• Attend staff and multidisciplinary meetings as required.
• Participate in professional development and training related to early childhood special education as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION and EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prefer one year working with preschool children with developmental disabilities.
• Must have Infant/Child CPR and First Aid card or obtain it within 3 months of hire.
• Must successfully complete abuse/neglect Central Registry check, sex offender and criminal background screening, and fingerprinting.
• Complete TB risk assessment within 30 days of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Oral and written communication skills for effective interaction with children and adults.
• Capability to stay calm and professional in environments with frequent interruptions.
• Capacity to remain alert, adaptable, and professional at all times.
• Ability to function as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Skill in multitasking and managing tasks effectively to meet deadlines.
• Competence in communicating, interacting, and working cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Capacity to perform duties with minimal direct supervision.
• Awareness of workplace safety, adherence to safety protocols, practice of safe work habits, appropriate use of safety equipment, and reporting of unsafe conditions to supervisors.
• Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of program and client information.
• Adherence to organization policies, standards, and training.
• Compliance with all DFS childcare rules and regulations.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS: The following physical, environmental, and mental requirements are necessary to perform this job's essential duties. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

• Work is primarily performed indoors, with some outdoor duties.
• Duties may require various physical positions including stooping, kneeling, crouching, grasping, holding, reaching, sitting, and moving between locations.
• Must be able to lift children or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds independently and over 50 pounds with assistance.
• The environment may involve moderate to high noise levels from office equipment, adults, and children.
• Position requires managing moderate to high levels of mental and emotional demands.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP & DIRECTION/GUIDANCE:

• Reports to: Part B Preschool Coordinator
• Supervises children in class, common areas, and playground.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $19.85 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20