Paraprofessional - Prairie Ridge Middle School

Young World Physical Education; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 49,593,600 - 53,726,400; Full time

Job summary

Ankeny Community School District is seeking a Paraprofessional to support students with diverse needs at Prairie Ridge Middle School in Ankeny, IA. The role involves assisting teachers, providing one-on-one or small group support, and helping with instructional technologies and behavior support.

Starting date is immediate; positions are full-time, non-exempt, with a wage of $17.75/hour. The district emphasizes collaboration, confidentiality, and reliable attendance while ensuring a safe learning

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; associates or bachelor's degree preferred.
• Valid Iowa Paraeducator Certificate, preferred (extra $0.25/hour for the Iowa BOEE Para Certificate).
• Experience working with school-aged children, including those with special needs, preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate patience, flexibility, and a commitment to student learning.
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to collaborate as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teachers by working with individual students or small groups to reinforce instruction.
• Provide one-on-one or small group support for students.
• Provide accommodations and modifications for students with IEPs, 504 plans, or health plans.
• Monitor student progress and provide feedback to teachers on performance and behavior.
• Support students with instructional technology including logging in and troubleshooting.
• Assist with behavior intervention plans and sensory strategies as directed by staff.
• Support activities of daily living as needed, including feeding, toileting, mobility, and hygiene.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow legal/ethical standards related to student support.
• Supervise students in classrooms and non-classroom settings and promote positive behavior.

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Patience

Attendance reliability

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Iowa Paraeducator Certificate (preferred)

Tools

Chromebooks

iPads

Assistive technology

Job description

Paraprofessional - Prairie Ridge Middle School

Ankeny Community School District Prairie Ridge Middle School - Ankeny, Iowa. Open in Google Maps.

Job Details

Job ID: 5830151

Application Deadline: Jul 24, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)

Posted: Jul 13, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Position Summary: Paraprofessionals assist in supporting the physical, academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all students, including those with disabilities, across both general and special education settings. They help implement high-quality academic, behavioral, and health-related programs that enhance student achievement and promote independence. Paraprofessionals work collaboratively with certified staff, school administrators, and support teams under the general supervision of school leaders and the direct guidance of licensed educators.

Job Title: Paraprofessional

Hourly Wage: $17.75/hour

Hours:

• (2) positions: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Reports To: Building Principal

Wage/Hour Status: Non-Exempt

Benefit Summary: D

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; Associates or Bachelors degree preferred.
• Valid Iowa Paraeducator Certificate, preferred (extra $0.25/hour for the Iowa BOEE Para Certificate).
• Experience working with school-aged children, including those with special needs, preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate patience, flexibility, and a commitment to student learning.
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to collaborate as part of a team.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students and staff and contribute to a supportive learning environment.
• Must demonstrate reliable attendance.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Paraprofessional Essential Functions

May vary based on building assignment and individual student needs.

• Assist classroom teachers in implementing lesson plans by working with individual students or small groups to reinforce instruction. This may include adapting instructional materials under teacher guidance to accommodate various learning styles and abilities.
• Provide one-on-one or small group support for students.
• Provide accommodations and modifications for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, health plans, or other specialized needs.
• Assist teachers in monitoring student progress and provide feedback to teachers on student performance and behavior.
• Support students with the use of instructional technology (e.g., Chromebooks, iPads, assistive technology), including logging in, troubleshooting minor issues, or navigating platforms.
• Assist with the implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and sensory strategies, as directed by special education staff.
• Support students with activities of daily living, which may include feeding, toileting, mobility assistance, and hygiene, when necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow legal and ethical standards related to student support.
• Supervise students in various settings including classrooms and non-classrooms, such as study hall, media center, hallways, cafeterias, gyms, playgrounds, buses, and during arrival and dismissal.
• Promote and model positive behavior, using de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution strategies when needed.

Other Functions

• Collaborate with teachers and other paraprofessionals to meet the needs of all students.
• Provide excellent customer service and assistance to all students, parents, and colleagues, fostering a welcoming and approachable atmosphere.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Work efficiently and independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate respect and professionalism in all interactions with colleagues, students, and families.
• Use positive and professional communication in all interactions.
• Adhere to safety protocols and policies established by the Ankeny Community School District to ensure the safety of oneself and others.
• Support District goals and objectives while adhering to all District policies, contributing to the overall success of the school community.
• Maintain consistent and reliable attendance and remain fully engaged in work duties, ensuring personal electronic devices do not interfere with student supervision or instructional support.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Working Environment

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands: lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, reaching, driving, standing and walking. Working conditions may include extreme temperatures and humidity. Hazards may include exposure to communicable diseases. May involve exposure to bodily fluids and occasional behavior-related challenges. This position requires one to maintain emotional control under stress.

Terms of Employment

Work year established by the District.

Clearances

Background Clearance.

Evaluation

Job performance will be evaluated annually, as per district policies and procedures.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.