2026-27 Paraprofessional Early Childhood Special Education-Werner Elementary School

Poudre School District -CO; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 27,579 - 30,885; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERA retirement

Disability insurance

Walk-in clinic access

Other benefits

Job summary

Poudre School District seeks a Paraprofessional Early Childhood Integrated Services at Werner Elementary in Fort Collins to support students with mild to significant needs, providing instructional and personal care assistance so they can participate in classroom activities. Requires an Associate degree; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities include aiding classroom instruction, assisting with personal care, and supporting data collection and communication with families.

Qualifications

• Assist students with personal care, social skills, and self-awareness.
• Assist teacher with classroom materials and clerical tasks.
• Monitor and reinforce positive behavior and classroom routines.

Responsibilities

• Support students in accessing the general education curriculum.
• Assist transitions to and from bus stops, bathroom, and within the building.
• Maintain student records and required program paperwork.
• Participate in Integrated Services and professional growth opportunities.

Skills

Oral and written communication

English language skills

Interpersonal relations

Ability to lift and transfer students

Bilingual abilities

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

2026-27 Paraprofessional Early Childhood Special Education-Werner Elementary School

Poudre School District

WERNER ELEMENTARY - FORT COLLINS, Colorado

Job Details

Job ID:5848376

Starting Date: Aug 14, 2026

Information specific to this position: Special Education/Integrated Services

Pay Range: $20.02-$22.42 (min–12% above min)/hour, based on qualifications and experience*

Hours/day: 3.75

Work calendar days: 186

Duration of position: Ongoing

Benefits include: PERA retirement, short and long term disability, access to employee walk-in clinic, as well as other optional benefit elections.

*Pay range listed above is for employees newly hired to PSD (existing employees please refer to the pay range on the appropriate salary schedule). PSD engages in a salary placement process vs. a salary negotiation process. This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons. All salaries are set by Human Resources based on a review of qualifications compared to the requirements on the job description; therefore listing all related education and experience on your application is recommended.

Poudre School District is dedicated to affirming respect, compassion, and acceptance for all, and we celebrate diversity with regard to all backgrounds and identities. We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive work environments with employees who reflect our students and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. PSD is committed to finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Paraprofessional Early Childhood Integrated Services
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Family: Classified - Instructional Support
Pay Range: PT15H
Prepared/Revised Date: August 1, 2026
Job Code: 41603

SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting Early Childhood students by providing instruction and physical support for students with mild to significant support needs so that they may fully participate in class activities. Assist students with personal care, social skills and/or self-awareness. Assist teacher with classroom materials and clerical skills and monitor students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist the classroom teacher in individualizing the instruction for children by adapting materials for a varying range of individual students’ needs and reinforcing learning skills in individual or small groups. Assist in the planning and implementation of the classroom procedures and routines and monitor and reinforce acceptable social and physical behavior. Support students with accessing the general education curriculum, and/or providing modifications to the classroom environment which may include AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) devices. Provide conditions for a positive, caring, safe, and patient learning environment. Assist with implementing specialized services for students as outlined on IEPs.
2. Assist students with personal care, social skills, or self-awareness skills. Support transitions to and from bus stops, to the bathroom, and movement within the building. Assist students with personal health, hygiene and meals or feedings. May include spoon feeding, tube feeding, toileting, catheterization, and diapering. Lift, transfer or push students in wheelchairs. Use alternative language techniques such as sign language or voice activated computer systems and adapt classroom materials for use by students.
3. Support the classroom teacher in the assessment data collection of the strengths and needs of children three times a year and informally through the development of anecdotes, portfolios, and the use of classroom assessments on an ongoing basis.
4. Support the classroom teacher in maintaining required student records, school, and program paperwork.
5. Select and use behavioral techniques and methods appropriate to the student’s circumstances. Utilize a positive behavior model in monitoring behavior.
6. Work with children one-on-one, in small group, large group, circle, and outdoor time. Provide opportunities for students to assume responsibility and develop independence.
7. Support the teacher in communicating the child’s daily progress with parents or other staff who work with the child, if requested by the teacher.
8. 41603 – Paraprofessional Early Childhood Integrated Services
9. Participate in Integrated Services and Early Childhood professional growth opportunities, and meetings that are required for special education paraprofessionals and childcare licensing certifications.
10. Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of Level II in the Professional Development Information System (PDIS) of Colorado Shines
• One year of related experience
• Experience working with students in a school setting preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS or CERTIFICATIONS

• Criminal background check required for hire
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) required within 3 months of hire
• CPR and First Aid certifications within 30 days of hire
• PSD Blood Borne Pathogens course completed within 30 days of hire
• PSD Medication Administration course completed within 30 days of hire
• Valid Early Childhood medical statement completed within 30 days of hire
• Current immunizations statement completed within 30 days of hire

TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Oral and written communication skills
• English language skills
• Interpersonal relations skills
• Mathematical skills including basic calculations and application of basic math concepts
• Bilingual oral and written communication skills may be required or preferred
• Ability to understand diverse learning needs, second language instructional practices, and special education modifications for children
• Ability to show sensitivity, respect and confidentiality to individual students, families, and staff
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions, use time efficiently, demonstrate attention to detail, follow instructions, and respond to management direction
• Ability to lift and transfer students, provide behavior supports including de-escalation and physical assistance, and follow health care procedures that could include feeding, personal care, etc.
• Ability to maintain honesty and integrity in all aspects of the job
• Ability and willingness to adhere to attendance requirements, including regular and punctual employee presence
• Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, District policies, administrative guidelines and building and department procedures
• Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooper