26/27 Special Education Instructional Paraeducator PreK, Sunnyside Elementary School, .50 FTE

Sunnyside Elementary School; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Half benefits options

Housing assistance

One-time bonus

Job summary

Sunnyside Elementary School in Durango, CO is hiring a Special Education Instructional Paraeducator PreK for 20 hours per week, 7:30am–11:30am. The role supports students under licensed supervision, with duties extending across classrooms, lunchroom, and field trips.

The position offers half benefits, housing options for the 2026/2027 year, and includes a $900 one-time bonus pro-rated for late start. Prior paraprofessional qualifications preferred.

Qualifications

• Communicate effectively in written and oral form, with positive interpersonal skills.
• Experience with data collection and data analysis is preferred.
• Knowledge of federal privacy laws (FERPA) and student confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Support instructional programs and assist in implementing IEPs under licensed staff guidance.
• Enforce district policies and assist with behavior management and crisis intervention.
• Assist with daily routines and mobility as directed by IEPs and staff.
• Support speech and language development and use of alternative communication methods when needed.
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators to share observations and plan supports.

Skills

Communication skills

Data collection

Behavior management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associates degree or 48 semester hours

Paraprofessional test (CDE/ESSA)

Tools

Assistive technology

Job description

26/27 Special Education Instructional Paraeducator PreK, Sunnyside Elementary School, .50 FTE

Durango School District 9-R Sunnyside Elementary School - Durango, Colorado Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5947693

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 01, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Durango School District is accepting applications for a Special Education Instructional Paraeducator PreK at Sunnyside Elementary School, 20 hrs/week, Monday - Friday from 7:30am - 11:30am. Includes half benefits options. Begins October 13, 2026.

Employee workforce housing available in the 2026/2027 school year!

For the 26/27 SY, this position includes an $900 one-time bonus for staff newly hired to the school district! (pro-rated for late start)

Job Title: Special Education Instructional Paraeducator Pay Grade: ESP Salary Schedule

Job Family: Student Support FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Department: Student Services and School Based Prepared Date: 7/1/18, 7/1/20, 5/26/23

Typical Work Year: 9 months

SUMMARY: Provide instructional support and assistance in meeting the educational needs of students, under the direction and immediate supervision of a licensed school professional. Services provided will vary based on Individual Education Plans (IEP) and requirements to provide services in the least restrictive environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The frequency and percentage of time of duties may vary based on building or department assignment.

• Support instructional programs and provide instructional assistance for students in individual, small, and large group settings. Assist in facilitating the execution of Individualized Education Plans for students under the direction of licensed staff. Implement approved modifications and/or accommodations of curriculum. Supervise and facilitate students in the classroom and a variety of settings that may include the lunchroom, playground, to/from buses, cross walks, field trips, extra-curricular activities, or on-the-job training.

• Enforces district policies regarding behaviors and discipline to help correct behavioral problems and assist in meeting student behavioral goals. Facilitate crisis intervention and assist students with problem solving techniques and conflict resolution.

• Assist students in performing daily routines. May include getting to and from class and bus stops, using toilets, diapering, feeding, medical needs and personal hygiene. May include working with trach, feeding tubes, and catheterization. Assist with student mobility as directed by the IEP and student need.

• Facilitate and encourage speech and language development. May use alternative language such as sign language or voice activated computer systems.

• Implement specialized therapy programs; work directly with therapists on physical progress and Individualized Education Plans (IEP). Assist with documenting when a student meets with therapist.

• Collaborate and communicate with other special and regular educators and administrators with regard to academic and behavioral issues and observations. Provide suggestions, feedback and support to building staff, administrators, parents and outside agencies regarding effective strategies for facilitating learning.

• Assist the licensed staff by helping with data collection, updating records and documentation while helping maintain student files and class records. Maintain compliance with confidentiality laws including Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA.)

• Assist with sanitizing, disinfecting, and cleaning the learning environment.

• Attend and participate in district and building in-service opportunities and committee work.

• Engage in ongoing professional development.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: High school diploma or equivalent. Basic Skills Competence (Minimum 2 years of college ,e.g. associates degree, or 48 semester hours of college coursework) OR Pass paraprofessional test (CDE and ESSA qualifications) prior to being hired.

EXPERIENCE: Experience is preferred but may not be necessary for hiring.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS: CPR and First Aid training preferred at hire; required within three months of hire. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training required within three months of hire. Colorado driver’s license and school district small vehicle operator permit may be required for some positions. Criminal Background Check required for hire.

TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & ABILITIES:

• Communicate effectively in written and oral form using positive interpersonal skills
• Consultation skills
• Ability to assist in developing and support the behavior intervention plans, classroom management systems, and reinforcement systems
• Ability to use effective interventions for at risk learners
• Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis
• Knowledge of developmental, emotional, and behavioral disabilities
• Experience in data collection and data analysis
• Ability to develop and provide training related to accessing community resources and behavioral intervention practices in all school settings.
• Non-violent and physical intervention techniques
• Ability to use proper English grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure
• Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, Superintendent policies and building/department procedures.
• Ability to grow and develop knowledge, skills, and attitude through professional development.
• Knowledge of first aide skills

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE:

• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers.
• Operating knowledge of assistive technology for communication preferred.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as copier, fax machine, E-mail, etc.

Durango School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or need for special education services in admissions, access to treatment, or employment in educational programs or activities which it operates, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Laura Galido, Compliance Officer, Durango School District, 281 Sawyer Drive, Suite 100 Durango, CO 81303, [phone], [e-mail], or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 Spear Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, [phone].

Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $22.20 to $23.56 Per Hour
Job Categories:
Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA
Special Education > Special Education Assistant

Contact Information

• Jennifer Baufield , Coordinator of Early Childhood
• Durango School District
• Email: [e-mail]