2026-27 Paraprofessional I Special Education-Cache La Poudre Elementary School
Poudre School District
CACHE LA POUDRE ELEM SCHOOL - LAPORTE, Colorado
Job Details
Job ID:5848295
Starting Date: Aug 14, 2026
Job Description
Information specific to this position: Special Education/Integrated Services
Pay Range: $19.65-$22.01 (min–12% above min)/hour, based on qualifications and experience*
Hours/day: 5.5
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 Integrated Services I FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Family: Classified - Instructional Support Pay Range: PT12H
Prepared/Revised Date: August 1, 2026 Job Code: 41606
SUMMARY: Responsible for assisting the general classroom or special education teacher by providing
instructional, physical and behavioral support for students with mild to moderate physical disabilities, emotional
disabilities, other health impairments, and/or special needs so they may fully participate in class activities with
access to the general education curriculum. Assist students with classroom work, personal care, social skills,
self-determination, and/or self-awareness. Assist both the special education and general education teachers
with classroom accommodations, materials and clerical skills. Ensure access to accommodations within the
general education setting. Assist in monitoring student progress and tailor assignments to individual student
needs, progress, and behaviors.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist the general classroom or special education teacher in delivering targeted instruction, reteaching
complex concepts, and reinforcing learning skills in individual or small groups. Accommodate
instructional materials to support diverse student needs, including those with learning challenges. - Independently support students within the general education and special education settings by guiding
classroom assignments, assessments, and larger academic projects. Implement behavior intervention
strategies to address social, emotional, and academic needs, ensuring student success. - Proactively manage student behavior, including de-escalation techniques for physical aggression and
self-regulation coaching. Support students in developing appropriate social interactions and emotional
coping strategies, often in high-stress situations. - Work closely with teachers, caseworkers, mental health professionals, and other staff to implement
individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavioral strategies, ensuring seamless support for students
with diverse needs. - Provide vigilant supervision of students in classrooms, hallways, common areas, and during transitions
(e.g., breaks, lunch, recess, arrival/dismissal) including line of sight supervision when necessary.
Enforce safety protocols, assist with crisis response, and serve as a second adult during high-risk
situations. - Assist students with mobility, personal care, hygiene, and health-related needs, including restroom
support, feeding, and positioning, as required. Use specialized equipment and techniques to ensure
student dignity and independence. - Independently adjust instructional materials based on the students’ IEP to accommodate students with
disabilities, including those with hearing, vision, or cognitive impairments. Utilize assistive technology
and alternative communication methods as needed. - Take responsibility for tracking and recording student progress, behavior incidents, and intervention
outcomes. Assist with instructional planning, grading, attendance, and data collection to support
individualized student success plans. - Attend and actively participate in high-level training sessions and school-wide initiatives to stay
updated on instructional strategies, behavioral interventions, and legal compliance requirements. - Adapt quickly to changing student and classroom needs, including working with higher-needs students,
filling in for absent staff, and managing multiple priorities under minimal supervision. - Support high-stakes initiatives, special projects, and urgent school-wide needs as directed by
administration, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment. - Perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or equivalent
- One year of related experience
- Experience working with special needs students preferred
- Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable
- If assigned to a Title I school, at least one of the following criteria is required
- completion of at least two years of higher education
- an associate’s (or higher) degree
- successful completion of the WorkKeys assessmentdemonstratinginstructional competency within one year of hire
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS or CERTIFICATIONS
- Criminal background check required for hire
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) required within 3 months of hire
- Special Education Paraprofessional Academy classes (5 in first 2 years 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 and desire to work with students with various mild to moderate physical disabilities, emotional
disabilities and special needs - Ability to diffuse volatile student situations
- Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job
- 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 participate and work in a team environment
- 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 cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic
and educational backgrounds - Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work
habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate
administrator
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE
- Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals
- Operating knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office and/or other department software
packages - Operating knowledge of and experience with standard office equipment, such as telephones, copier, fax
machine, E-mail, etc.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS & DIRECTION/GUIDANCE
POSITION TITLE # of EMPLOYEES
Reports to: School Administration
Direct reports: This job has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
- Responsible for supervising the behavior and well-being of students in the classroom, getting on and off the bus, on recess