College Based ParaEducator 2025-2026

McPherson County Special Education Cooperative; McPherson (KS); On-site; USD 16,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

McPherson County Special Education Cooperative is seeking a College Based ParaEducator for the 2026-2027 school year in McPherson, Kansas. The position supports special education and general education staff to foster positive student development and learning in a classroom setting.

Shift hours vary but do not exceed 17.5 hours per week; the contract runs for a semester with a 500-hour maximum. Reports to the supervising teacher/assistant director of special education, with starting date

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Criminal history from Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
• Drug and health screen must be passed.

Responsibilities

• Support the philosophy of the classroom and assist instruction as needed.
• Follow directions of the supervising teacher and take initiative to assist.
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills and maintain a positive learning climate.
• Assist with individualized instructional plans and safety procedures as trained.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

McPherson USD 418 McPherson County Special Education Cooperative - McPherson, Kansas Open in Google Maps

College Based ParaEducator 2026-2027

McPherson USD 418 McPherson County Special Education Cooperative - McPherson, Kansas Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in McPherson USD 418

Job Details

Job ID: 4926484
Application Deadline: May 30, 2027 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)
Re-Posted: Apr 14, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

One job reference must be a college professor/advisor. Please do not use friends or family members as references.

Job Title: College Based ParaEducator

Wage Scale: McCSEC Classified wage schedule

Shift: Varies (not to exceed 17.5 hours per week)

Benefit Package: None

Duration of Contract: Semester ( not to exceed 500 hours)

Semester 1: September - December

Semester 2: February - April

Reports to: Supervising Teacher/Assistant Director of Special Education

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Paraeducator position is to assist the special education and general education instructors in creating a positive learning environment to facilitate the personal, social, and intellectual development of students. To accomplish these tasks, the paraprofessional works closely with the assigned staff and building administration.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Criminal history records from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation
• Pass a drug & health screen

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.

Essential Functions

• Support the philosophy of the classroom, including the daily routines, and contribute to the instruction of students.
• Follow directions of the supervising teacher & take initiative to assist when needed.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills with others.
• Promote positive self-concept and demonstrate sensitivity in relating to students.
• Understand and follow procedures of the local education agency concerning special education as they pertain to Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Monitor student progress, including the administration of appropriate assessments, to support the data collection process.
• Use appropriate behavior management techniques to maintain a positive climate for learning.
• Motivate students through effective communication and evaluate feedback.
• Demonstrate flexibility in the educational environment by completing daily duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.
• Demonstrate the ability to physically transfer students, once trained in proper techniques of up to 50 lbs., to support student safety.
• Implement, under the supervision of the supervising teacher, individualized instructional programs, including the support of proper hygiene (e.g. changing, dressing, assisting with feeding, assisting with toileting), for the purpose of reinforcing learning concepts.
• Provide support during community activities including, but not limited to the following: swimming, bowling, grocery shopping, job coaching, and field trips that may require extensive walking, for the purpose of supporting the educational opportunities for students.
• Complete professional development requirements and reports in a timely fashion.
• Comply with the assigned district’s policies, rules, and regulations to include maintaining confidentiality.
• Maintain MANDT training certification (if applicable to position) for the purpose of supporting student safety in the learning environment.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the educational team.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: preparing and maintaining accurate records; adhering to safety practices; and safe and effective performance of hands‑on physical therapy interventions.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: principles of physical therapy; health standards and hazards; safety practices and procedures; and age and/or developmentally appropriate activities.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job‑related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; and maintaining confidentiality.

Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. Generally the job requires 30% sitting, 20% walking, and 50% standing. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include those close and distance vision. The noise level is generally low but can vary dependent upon activity. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $14 Per Hour
Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Contact Information

• Sarah Eller , Para Facilitator
• Central Office
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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