2026-27 Paraeducator - Resource - Horizons Elementary

HORIZONS ELEMENTARY; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 33,062,000 - 44,083,000; Part time

Job summary

Horizons Elementary is seeking a Paraeducator for the 2026-27 school year to support students with special needs across instructional and supervision duties. The position emphasizes collaboration with teachers to implement individualized education plans and safety procedures within the classroom and common areas.

The role involves assisting with daily living tasks, behavior support, and data collection to monitor student progress, reporting to the principal or designee, and working within

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with assessment, curriculum implementation, student interactions, and classroom support.
• Provide instructional support in small groups and one-on-one settings for students with special needs.
• Maintain confidentiality and communicate respectfully with students, families, and staff.

Job description

2026-27 Paraeducator - Resource - Horizons Elementary

Job Details

Job ID: 5932626
Application Deadline: Sep 25, 2026 11:59 PM (Pacific Standard Time)
Posted: Sep 18, 2026 7:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

Employment Begins: 2026/2027 School Year

3.25 hours/day; 5 days/week; 189 days/year

PARAEDUCATOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

Highly Supported Learning Services (HSLS), High Intensity Social Emotional Learning (HiSEL), Resource, Preschool, Student Specific, Vocational Opportunities in Community Employment (VOICE), Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), Future Ready Kindergarten (FRK)

STANDARD POSITION DESCRIPTION

Classification: Instructional Paraeducator Location: Assigned School(s)

Reports to: Principal or Principal Designee FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit: NTPA

This is a standard position description to be used for paraeducator positions with similar duties, responsibilities, classification and compensation. Paraeducators assigned to the position description may or may not perform all of the essential functions indicated in this position description.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Part I: Position Summary:

The Paraeducator performs a variety of instructional and/or support duties to assist the school and teachers in instruction, supervision, and education of students with special needs in groups or one-on-one teacher to student situations. May work with students on an individual basis as well as small groups to complete assigned work. Keep students on task.

The District represents a diverse community with a population of more than 50% of students with diverse backgrounds. We seek an individual who has successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities. The selected candidate must demonstrate a commitment to strengthening community engagement and communication with the District’s diverse populations.

Part II: Supervision and Controls over the Work:

Paraeducators (Special Education) work under the day-to-day direction of the staff member(s) supported, and under the direct supervision of the Principal, Principal Designee, or District Designee. Teachers and/or educational staff associates provide specific directions and oversight for supervision and/or instructional support. Paraeducators (Special Education) are responsible for being familiar with the school/district policies and procedures which govern their work, and for acquiring and applying knowledge of IDEA and Section 504 requirements.

Part III: Major Duties and Responsibilities (depending on specific assignment, duties and responsibilities listed may include, but are not limited to the following):

• Works collaboratively by assisting teachers in assessment, curriculum implementation, student interactions, enforcing safe behaviors, and enhancing social growth of students in the classroom. Such assistance may be provided in special education classrooms, in regular education classrooms to special needs students, and in one-on-one or small group situations.
• Assist students with common daily tasks such as eating, dressing, toileting, including diapering. May provide colostomy care including emptying colostomy bags and cleaning of the skin. May provide catheterization. May administer tube feedings and/or medication(s) as authorized by the school nurse and supervisory staff. May provide health services and assistance to include changing dressings, assisting with oxygen, assisting with insulin, assisting with nebulizers or inhalers, and assisting with walkers, wheelchairs, canes, crutches.
• Teach independent living skills such as cooking, laundry, general personal hygiene and cleanliness.
• Takes action, or assist in taking action, to restrain students who are at risk of harming themselves or others by following school/district approved restraint procedures.
• Assist in implementing physical and occupational therapy plans by working with students to increase range of motion, mobility, and positioning.
• May escort students in one-on-one or small groups to and from recess and playground, to and from bus locations, and may be required to ride on the bus with student(s).
• Communicates with students, parents, and community members with respect and confidentiality and consistent with the direction and guidance of staff, administrators, and school/district policies and procedures.
• May oversee student safety by such activities as recess and playground supervision, bus duty, crossing guard duty, hallway supervision, etc. Takes steps to intervene when students are not in control or may be in dangerous or unsafe situations.
• Provides instructional support and tutoring to students in large groups, small groups, and one-on-one situations.
• Proactively support the implementation of necessary visual supports and modifications to the instructional environment to facilitate student engagement in all settings.
• Provide necessary social skills and organizational instruction unique to each student's needs under the direction of certificated personnel.
• Use behavior management plans to assist staff with problem solving ideas to maintain an environment conducive to learning. Prioritize daily tasks and ensure implementation of those tasks in an efficient manner.
• Actively and openly communicate with teachers and other certified staff to maintain effective and consistent behavioral plans.
• Listen to concerns, use language appropriate for the student’s understanding, and observe body language before making active decisions. Use interpersonal and communication skills to influence, persuade, motivate, and resolve conflicts or sensitive problems.
• Supervise limited discipline measures such as time-out, loss of recess, removal from classroom if being disruptive to the learning environment.
• Document behavior of students to assist teachers in assessing progress with education plans. Maintain, or assist in maintaining, student weekly progress reports.
• Assist staff in limited clerical duties such as making copies, operating a fax machine, answering telephones, ordering supplies, and record keeping.
• When other duties do not interfere with 1:1 student-specific paraeducator responsibilities, teachers, with administrator approval,