Elementary 3-5 Functional Life Skills Paraprofessional

Winona Elementary School; Winona (TX); On-site; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Winona Elementary School seeks a compassionate Elementary Functional Lifeskills Paraprofessional to support students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom. Responsibilities include assisting the certified teacher, preparing instructional materials, and maintaining a safe, structured learning environment.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, Texas educational aide certificate, and prior experience with children; associate degree preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or two years of college preferred – coursework related to education.
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing instructional materials and displays.
• Maintain neat, orderly classroom and manage inventory of equipment.
• Keep administrative records and assist substitute teachers.
• Supervise students during lunch, bus, and play areas.
• Support students with physical disabilities and daily living needs.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Skills

Disability support

Instructional support

Communication

Classroom assistance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or 2 years college

Texas educational aide certificate

Job description

Elementary 3-5 Functional Life Skills Paraprofessional

We are seeking a compassionate and dependable Elementary Functional Lifeskills Paraprofessional to support students with developmental needs. The paraprofessional will assist the classroom teacher in providing individual and small group support, and maintaining a safe, structured learning environment. Experience working with students with special needs preferred.

Primary Purpose:

Help meet physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
• Have met formal academic assessment, associate’s degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning*
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of general office equipment

Experience:

• Some experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Support

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.

Student Management

• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting; positioning; or assisting students with personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed.
• Recognize differences in each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students

Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking and reaching

Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment

Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases)

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Job Details

Job ID: 5951390

Application Deadline: Oct 30, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)

Posted: Yesterday

Starting Date: Immediately

Position Type: Full-Time

Location: Winona, Texas

Job Categories

• Special Education > General Special Education
• Special Education > Learning Disabled
• Special Education > Life Skills

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Kristin Warnell , Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent/Human Resources
• Winona ISD Central Office
• Winona, Texas 75792
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]