Educational Assistant - Special Education 3Y-4Y

Young World Physical Education; Espanola (NM); On-site; USD 26,500 - 29,252; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is seeking an Educational Assistant – Special Education in Espanola, New Mexico. This role involves assisting students in daily routines and educational tasks under the supervision of a special education teacher.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent education. Strong communication, organizational skills, and a compassionate demeanor towards students are vital for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Passing score on the ParaPro exam or alternative certification.
• Completion of the Core Academic Skills for Educators.
• Prior experience working with special-education children preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with physical tasks and daily routines.
• Work under the special education teacher's supervision.
• Establish supportive relationships with students.
• Participate in in-service training programs.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team-building skills

Bilingual skills (English and Spanish)

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Associate degree

High-school graduate or GED

Minimum 48 semester hours of college credit

Job description

Educational Assistant – Special Education

Job Details

• Contract Length: 184 days
• Hours: 7:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Union Status: Union
• Salary: $26,500 – $29,252 per year

Responsibilities

• Assist students assigned with physical tasks such as moving between rooms, using restrooms, eating, and other daily routines.
• Work under the supervision of the special education teacher to help students complete school work.
• Accompany students during recess, field trips, recreational activities, and any time students leave the special education classroom.
• Establish a supportive and sympathetic relationship with students while avoiding intense emotional involvement.
• Greet students daily upon arrival to school and accompany them as needed.
• Read to students, listen to them read, and participate in oral communication activities.
• Assist with administering assignments, checking notebooks, correcting papers, and making up work, as assigned by the teacher.
• Support teachers during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, and field trips.
• Help students with clothing, use of the library/media center, and other educational support tasks.
• Maintain confidentiality and practice high ethical standards regarding student information.
• Collect and record money as directed by the teacher.
• Participate in in‑service training programs and perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Serve as the primary support for substitute teachers in the teacher's absence.

Qualifications

• Passe score on the ParaPro exam (457) or alternative certification: 70% in each section of the Para Educator exam.
• Passing score and completion of the Core Academic Skills for Educators (Reading, Writing, Mathematics).
• Minimum 48 semester hours of college credit from a regionally accredited institution, including at least 15 credits in language arts, mathematics, writing, and reading/writing/math readiness or professional education.
• Associate degree from a regionally accredited institution with the same credit distribution.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution with the same credit distribution.
• High‑school graduate or GED required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience working with special‑education children preferred.
• Bilingual skills in English and Spanish preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Team‑building skills and willingness to accept delegated responsibilities.
• Ability to work under occasional stress.
• Familiarity with child‑restraining methods, first aid, and CPR; ability to use child restraints if necessary.

Physical/Cognitive Requirements

• Regular walking, talking, listening, standing, and sitting.
• Use of hands to handle objects and reach with hands and arms; ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
• Specific vision abilities: close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
• Light lifting at times.
• Work in a moderate‑noise environment.