2026-27 Paraprofessional II Special Education-Elementary-Autism, Behavior Support, or Significa[...]

Poudre School District; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 27,552 - 31,684; Part 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

Job summary

Poudre School District in Fort Collins, CO seeks a dedicated educational assistant to support general or special education teachers and help students with significant support needs participate in class with access to the curriculum.

Responsibilities include implementing instruction, supporting behavior plans, assisting with personal care and health-related tasks, and collaborating with staff to meet IEP goals. This is a part-time, on-site position with benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• At least 1 year of related experience preferred.
• CPI training required within 3 months of hire.
• Special Education Paraprofessional Academy classes (5 in first 2 years) required/encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers by implementing instruction and reinforcing learning for students with significant support needs.
• Implement behavior intervention strategies and support students in managing emotional dysregulation.
• Monitor students in classrooms and during transitions; enforce safety procedures and provide supervision as needed.
• Provide hands-on support with hygiene, feeding, mobility, and health-related tasks per health plans.
• Use assistive technology and AAC devices as needed to accommodate communication.
• Maintain detailed records on student behavior, interventions, and progress; input data for IEP meetings.
• Collaborate with teachers, mental health providers, case managers, and nursing staff to support IEP goals and crisis plans.
• Help students develop self-regulation and daily living skills, encouraging independence.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

One year of related experience

Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training

Special Education Paraprofessional Academy classes (5 in first 2 years)

Job description

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]

COMPENSATION AND WORK SCHEDULE

Pay Range: $20.42 – $22.87 per hour (minimum – 12 % above minimum), based on qualifications and experience.

Positions available at multiple locations and range between 3 and 8 hours per day.

Work calendar days: 186.

Duration of position: Ongoing.

BENEFITS

• Positions with at least 5.60 hours per day: Health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, PERA retirement, paid time off, short and long term disability, access to employee walk‑in clinic, and other optional benefit elections.
• Positions with less than 5.60 hours per day: PERA retirement, short and long term disability, access to employee walk‑in clinic, and other optional benefit elections.