2026-2027 SY - Special Education Assistant (PCA) - Elementary

Gallup-McKinley County Schools; Gallup (NM); On-site; USD 27,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Gallup-McKinley County Schools is seeking a Special Education Educational Assistant Personal Care Assistant for Del Norte Elementary. The role involves supporting the IEP goals, delivering lesson plans, and assisting students with daily activities and personal care.

The position requires on-site work, 7.5 hours per day, and a 194-day contract. Minimum salary is $27,045.00 and maximum salary is $33,728.00, with a need for confidentiality, good communication in English, and appropriate licensure

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalency required.
• Possession of Level I Educational Assistant License or ability to obtain.
• Valid driver's license required.
• First Aid certificate required.
• Food Handler's Permit if required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering the educational plan and meeting IEP goals.
• Assist in implementing daily activity lesson plans and curriculum.
• Maintain files and records with confidentiality.
• Assist students individually or in groups with lesson assignments.
• Operate classroom equipment and assistive technology.
• Supervise students during drills, meals, field trips and activities.
• Assist students with personal care needs when required.
• Provide support for students with medical needs.
• Support teacher with behavior management and instruction.

Skills

Classroom management

Cultural sensitivity

Education

High School Diploma or equivalency

Job description

Title: Special Education Educational Assistant Personal Care Assistant

Work Location: Del Norte Elementary

Work Hours: 7.5 hours/Day

Contract Length: 194 Days

Minimum Salary: $27,045.00

Maximum Salary: $33,728.00

To provide technical and advanced assistance to assigned specialist or professional in delivering the educational plan, and meeting the goals and objectives of the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) of assigned student(s).

Supervision Received And Exercised

Receives immediate supervision from assigned higher level staff.

Essentional Function Statements

Essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist specialist/professional in delivering the educational plan, and meeting the goals and objectives of the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) to assigned student(s).
• Assist in implementing daily activity lesson plans and curriculum as developed in the IEP by approprite specialist or professional.
• Assist teacher/professional in maintaining appropriate files and records; attach all supporting documentation; ensure confidentiality of all records and files.
• Assist students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments to present or reinforce learning concepts.
• Operate and care for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes; and assistive technology.
• Assist with supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, lunch and field trips.
• Assist physically challenged student(s) with eating, dressing, personal hygiene and mobility functions when needed, e.g. in self-help, feeding and personal hygiene skills; in fin/gross motor skills; in adaptive competencies leading to independence.
• Assist in providing special medical needs of students.
• Provide close supervision for students with behavior problems in the classroom, and supports the teacher's management system.

Marginal Functions

• Deliver educational services to children who are homebound due to health limitations, and/or distance from school, etc.
• Daily travel from site to site, and from home to home.
• Prepare regular and special diet meals; operate choppers, blenders, mixers, and other equipment; and make adjustments to regylate ovens, or other cooking equipment.
• Assist in serving meals, paying particular attention to portioning, garnishing and meeting Federal meal requirements on each meal served.

Qualification Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Classroom management.
• Cultural diversities of the local area and the traditional Native American beliefs of students and families.

Ability To

• Administer and provide emergency first aid services to children.
• Promote positive child behavior and a safe and healthy environment.
• Handle and maintain the records of students in a confidential manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing in the English language.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Understand and respect the cultural diversities, and Native American traditional beliefs and practices, of students and their families.

Experience And Education Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities are qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience: Some related experience including public contact is desirable.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalency.

Licensure

• Possession of, or ability to obtain a Level I Educational Assistant License from the New Mexico Public Education Department.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid First Aid certificate.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain a Food Handler's Permit, if required.

Working Conditions

On-site attendance is mandatory for this position.

Environmental Conditions

• Office and Field environment.
• Travel from site to site.
• Exposure to human body fluids and cleaning and/or sterilization chemicals.

Physical Conditions

• On-site attendance is mandatory for this position.

Maintain Physical Condition Necessary For

• Sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time
• Moderate to heavy lifting and repeated bending

All Applicants must upload a copy of your High School Diploma or equivalency. All Applicants must also upload copies of ALL college transcripts to verify hours.