2026-27 Paraprofessional I Special Education-O'Dea Elementary School

Poudre School District; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

PERA retirement

Paid time off

Short/Long term disability

Walk-in clinic access

Job summary

Poudre School District is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to support students with mild to moderate disabilities and help them access the general education curriculum. You will assist with instructional tasks, personal care, social skills, and behavior support within the classroom and during transitions.

Responsibilities include implementing IEPs, coordinating with teachers and therapists, and monitoring student progress.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• One year of related experience preferred.
• Criminal background check required for hire.
• CPI training within 3 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist the general classroom or special education teacher with instructional support, accommodations, and materials.
• Support students with mobility, personal care, and health-related needs as required.
• Implement behavior intervention strategies and monitor student progress.
• Collaborate with teachers, caseworkers, mental health professionals, and staff to implement IEPs and behavioral plans.
• Supervise students in classrooms, hallways, and during transitions and emergency drills.
• Assist with data collection, attendance, and classroom planning as needed.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two years of higher education or associate's degree

WorkKeys assessment demonstrating instructional competency

Job description

**Please Note:**

This position will close on the Poudre School District job board on August 31, 2026.

**Information specific to this position: Special Education/Integrated Services**

• Pay Range: $19.65-$22.01/hour (min--12% above min), based on qualifications and experience***

**Hours/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, as well as other optional benefit elections.**

**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.

**JOB TASKS: **

• 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 student's 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, 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


• 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 assessment?demonstrating?instructional competency within one year of hire


• 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)