2026-26 Paraprofessional II Special Education-Bauder Elementary School

Poudre School District; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 27,910 - 31,257; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

Poudre School District seeks a Special Education Paraprofessional in Fort Collins, CO, to assist students with significant needs in their educational journey. Responsibilities involve implementing instructional support, managing behavior interventions, and providing personal care. A high school diploma and relevant experience are required, along with CPI certification within three months of hire. This ongoing role offers numerous benefits, including health and dental insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One year of related experience preferred.
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification needed within 3 months.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in class activities with access to general education curriculum.
• Implement behavior intervention strategies and manage emotional dysregulation.
• Provide personal care, including hygiene and feeding.

Skills

Assisting students with significant support needs

Behavior intervention strategies

Monitoring student progress

Personal care assistance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience working with special needs students

Job description

Please Note: This position will close on the Poudre School District job board on April 10, 2026. Connecting CO automatically sets postings to expire after 30 days, but you can view the most up-to-date status and apply directly through our job board here: https://psdschools.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5613755.

Please apply directly on our job board via the external link provided. Applications submitted through Connecting CO will not be reviewed. Apply directly through our job board here: https://psdschools.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5613755.

Special Education/Integrated Services

Information specific to this position: Colorado Department of Education requirements for paraprofessionals at Title I schools preferred but not required.

• Demonstrates successful completion of at least two years of post‑secondary study
• OR already holds or will complete by the start of the assignment an Associate’s or higher degree
• OR holds a certificate showing successful completion of an assessment selected by the state or by the employing school district that meets state and federal standards and that demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to assist in instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Pay Range: $20.26‑$22.69 per hour, based on qualifications and experience

Hours per day: 6.5

Work calendar days: 186

Duration of position: Ongoing

Benefits include: health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, PERA retirement, paid time off, short and long‑term disability, access to employee walk‑in clinic, and other optional benefit elections.

Summary

Responsible for assisting the general classroom or special education teacher by providing instructional and physical support for students with significant support needs so that they may fully participate in class activities with access to the general education curriculum. Assist students with personal care, social skills, and/or self‑awareness. Assist both the special education and general education teachers with classroom accommodations, materials, clerical skills, and monitoring of students.

Job Tasks

• Implement instruction, reteach concepts, and reinforce learning skills for students with significant support needs; adapt instructional materials to meet individual learning goals.
• Implement behavior intervention strategies, de‑escalate crises, and support students in managing emotional dysregulation; respond to aggressive behaviors, self‑harm risks, and other escalations with appropriate interventions to ensure student and staff safety.
• Monitor students in classrooms, hallways, common areas, and during transitions (e.g., lunch, recess, field trips, arrival/dismissal); enforce safety procedures, provide one‑on‑one supervision when needed, and assist in crisis situations, including physical interventions when required.
• Provide hands‑on support with hygiene, toileting, feeding (including spoon and tube feeding), catheterization, lifting, transferring, and mobility assistance; follow individualized health care plans and collaborate with nursing staff for medical needs.
• Independently accommodate students with significant disabilities, including those with communication, sensory, and cognitive impairments; use assistive technology, augmentative communication devices, and alternative language techniques as needed.
• Maintain detailed records on student behavior, interventions, and academic progress; collect and input Medi aid and other required data, track individualized student goals, and assist with documentation for IEP meetings.
• Work closely with teachers, mental health providers, case managers, and other staff to implement behavior intervention plans, IEP goals, and crisis response strategies; participate in problem‑solving meetings and adjust support based on student needs.
• Assist students in developing self‑regulation, social interaction, and daily living skills; encourage self‑advocacy and facilitate structured learning opportunities to promote independence.
• Attend specialized training, including de‑escalation techniques (e.g., CPI), behavior management, and medical delegation training; participate in staff meetings and professional development opportunities to enhance job skills.
• Adjust quickly to student needs and situations, managing unpredictable behavior escalations and responding to safety concerns; work with students across multiple settings, including general education, special education, and community‑based instruction; may cover schedules for paras pulled away for an urgent student situation.
• Support school‑wide safety protocols, participate in emergency response situations, and take on other responsibilities as required to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.

Education, Experience, and Licenses Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One year of related experience
• Experience working with special needs students preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable
• Criminal background check required for hire
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification required within 3 months of hire
• Special Education Paraprofessional Academy classes (5 in first 2 years of hire)

Questions regarding this posting can be directed to [e-mail].