2026-27 Paraprofessional II Special Education-Affective Needs-Kruse Elementary School

Poudre School District; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

PERA retirement

Paid time off

Short and long term disability

Access to employee walk-in clinic

Other optional benefit elections

Job summary

Poudre School District's Kruse Elementary School is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional for the 2026-27 school year in the Affective Needs program. The role provides instructional and physical support to students with significant needs to access the general education curriculum and participate in class activities.

Responsibilities include implementing instruction, assisting with personal care, behavior support, safety, and documentation, plus collaboration with teachers and nursing

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of related experience.
• Experience working with special needs students preferred.
• Criminal background check required for hire.
• CPI training within 3 months of hire.
• Special Education Paraprofessional Academy classes required.

Responsibilities

• Assist the general classroom or special education teacher by implementing instruction, reteaching concepts, and reinforcing 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. 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, 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 communication, sensory, and cognitive impairments. Use assistive technology and alternative communication methods as needed.
• Maintain detailed records on student behavior, interventions, and academic progress. Collect Medicaid and other required data, track goals, and assist with IEP documentation.
• Work with teachers, mental health providers, case managers, and other staff to implement behavior plans, IEP goals, and crisis response strategies.
• Assist students in developing self-regulation, social interaction, and daily living skills. Encourage self-advocacy and structured learning opportunities to promote independence.
• Attend specialized training (e.g., CPI, behavior management, medical delegation) and participate in staff meetings and professional development.
• Adapt to student needs and unpredictable behaviors, working across settings and potentially covering paras schedules when needed.

Education

High school diploma

One year of related experience

Experience working with special needs students preferred

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)

Job description

Information specific to this position: This position is for the 2026-27 school year in the Affective Needs program at Kruse Elementary School. Special Education/Integrated Services.

Pay Range: $20.26-$22.69/hr, based on qualifications and experience

These pay rates are based on the 2025-26 school year rates and will be updated when approved during the negotiations process for the 2026-27 school year

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 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 the monitoring of students.

JOB TASKS:

• Assist the general classroom or special education teacher by implementing instruction, reteaching concepts, and reinforcing 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 Medicaid 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) 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]