Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional

East Lansing Public Schools; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 2,403,000 - 3,149,000; Full time

Job summary

East Lansing Public Schools seeks an Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional (1.0 FTE) to support students at Red Cedar Elementary. The role emphasizes language development, behavior supports, and collaboration with teachers and families.

Hourly pay ranges from $17.44 to $22.86 under the ELESPA contract, with duties including tutoring, progress documentation, and material preparation. The position runs for the 26/27 school year with an ASAP start date and an October 14, 2026

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience implementing individual student behavior support plans is required.
• Knowledge of early language development, communication strategies, visual supports, and positive behavior supports.
• Experience working with students with varying learning styles and needs.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, related service providers, families, and other members of the educational team.
• Ability to use basic office and audiovisual equipment.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work with students at varying age/developmental levels.
• Basic word processing skills are desired.
• Training in CPI, behavior supports, communication strategies, or related areas preferred.
• Ability to push and/or pull up to 220 pounds on a wheeled cart is required.

Responsibilities

• Supports students in developing communication, academic, behavioral, and social skills.
• Models and reinforces language at each student’s language level and supports early language development.
• Implements visual schedules, prompts, and other strategies to help students follow directions and complete activities.
• Implements individual student behavior support plans and uses positive behavior supports to promote appropriate behavior and engagement.
• Observes student behaviors, documents observations, and reports concerns to the teacher.
• Monitors participation and interactions, supports self-checking activities, and maintains related records.
• Provides individual tutoring and small-group instruction as directed by the teacher.
• Assists in assessing and documenting student progress.
• Identifies learning styles and adjusts tutoring and instructional techniques accordingly.
• Collaborates with teachers, related service providers, and families to support goals.
• Organizes and prepares instructional materials and supplies.
• Operates and organizes instructional, office, and audiovisual equipment.
• Performs routine record-keeping and other clerical duties.
• Performs other duties as directed.

Job description

Come Join Our Team!

POSITION:

Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional – 1.0 FTE

LOCATION:

Red Cedar Elementary

SALARY:

$17.44 – $22.86 per hour (pursuant to ELESPA contract based on experience)

WORK YEAR:

26/27 School Year

START DATE:

ASAP

REPORTS TO:

Building Principal

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

October 14, 2026

General Summary

In alignment with the established policies and procedures of the East Lansing Public School District, the Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional is responsible for supporting students in their academic, behavioral, communication, and social development under the direction of the classroom teacher. The duties listed below are not intended to be all-inclusive; rather, they are representative of some of the primary responsibilities associated with this position.

About the Role

1. Supports students in developing communication, academic, behavioral, and social skills.
2. Models and reinforces language at each student’s individual language level and supports early language development.
3. Implements visual schedules, visual prompts, and other strategies to support students in following directions and completing activities.
4. Implements individual student behavior support plans and uses positive behavior support strategies to promote appropriate behavior and student engagement.
5. Observes student behaviors, documents and reports observations, brings concerns to the attention of the teacher, and supports students in appropriately modifying their behavior.
6. Monitors student participation and interactions, supports students with self-checking activities, and maintains related records.
7. Provides individual tutoring and supports small-group instruction in various skill areas as directed by the classroom teacher.
8. Assists the classroom teacher in assessing and documenting student progress.
9. Observes and identifies individual student learning styles and adjusts tutoring and instructional techniques to accommodate student needs.
10. Collaborates with teachers, related service providers, and other members of the educational team to support student needs and educational goals.
11. Organizes and prepares instructional materials, student materials, and supplies and reproduces materials as needed.
12. Operates and organizes instructional, office, and audiovisual equipment and uses available technology to support instruction and student learning.
13. Performs routine record-keeping and other clerical duties related to student support and classroom activities.
14. Performs other duties and responsibilities normally assigned to support personnel as directed by the classroom teacher or administrator.

Education, Knowledge and Skills Required

1. High school diploma or equivalent required.
2. Knowledge and experience with implementing individual student behavior support plans required.
3. Knowledge of early language development, communication strategies, visual supports, and positive behavior supports.
4. Experience working with students at the assigned age level and supporting students with varying learning styles and needs.
5. The demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, related service providers, families, and other members of the educational team.
6. The demonstrated ability to use basic office and audiovisual equipment is required.
7. The demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing is required.
8. The demonstrated ability to work with students at varying age/developmental levels is required.
9. The demonstrated ability to work with computer programs including basic word processing is desired.
10. Training in CPI, behavior supports, communication strategies, or related areas preferred.
11. The ability to push and/or pull up to 220 pounds on a wheeled cart is required.

About Us

East Lansing Public Schools is a high-achieving, diverse district committed to excellence, equity, and belonging. Located in a vibrant university community and neighboring Michigan State University, ELPS benefits from multiple partnerships that enrich learning opportunities for students and staff. We offer rigorous academic programs, a strong commitment to the arts and athletics, and a focus on preparing students for college, careers, and civic life. Our dedicated staff foster inclusive, supportive learning environments where every student is valued and empowered to succeed. With engaged families and a collaborative culture, ELPS is proud to inspire lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.

Why Join ELPS

• Commitment to creating a positive learning experience for all students
• Diverse education community
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Collaborative and supportive environment
• Robust professional development opportunities

Nondiscrimination

In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, it is the policy of the East Lansing Public Schools that no person shall on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity) , age, disability, height, weight, genetic discrimination, marital status, military status, or any other legally protected category be illegally excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any program, activity, or service or in employment. In accordance with Federal regulations, East Lansing Public Schools has appointed a Title IX Coordinator. Any questions, suggestions or complaints should be directed to:

Rulesha Glover-Payne

Chief Human Resources Officer and Title IX Coordinator

East Lansing Public Schools

6160 Towar Ave

East Lansing, Michigan 48823

Nurturing each child Educating all students Building world citizens