Paraprofessional - Prairie Trail Elementary

Ankeny-Community-School-District; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ankeny Community School District is seeking a Paraprofessional to support students across general and special education settings. The role involves assisting teachers, providing small-group support, and using technology to facilitate learning in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, with higher education preferred. The position offers a consistent schedule from 7:30 AM to 3:15 PM and is based at Prairie Trail Elementary in Ankeny, IA.

Qualifications

• Patience and flexibility in supporting diverse learners.
• Strong communication and ability to collaborate with teachers.
• Commitment to student learning and a supportive classroom environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teachers by supporting individual students or small groups.
• Provide one-on-one or small group support for students.
• Support students with IEPs, 504 plans, health plans, or other needs.
• Monitor student progress and provide feedback to teachers.
• Assist with instructional technology usage and troubleshooting.
• Follow behavior intervention plans and sensory strategies.
• Support daily living activities when necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional standards.
• Supervise students in various settings and model positive behavior.
• Collaborate with staff to meet student needs.

Skills

Patience

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Flexibility

Student support

Education

High school diploma or GED; Associate/Bachelor degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD caters to over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package, Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment.

JDE: 5.39A

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.

Hourly Wage: $17.75/hour

Hours: 7:30 AM - 3:15 PM

Reports To : Building Principal

Wage/Hour Status : Non‑Exempt

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.
• 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.

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.

Paraprofessional - Prairie Trail Elementary

Ankeny Community School District Prairie Trail Elementary - Ankeny, Iowa Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Ankeny Community School District , and TeachIowa, Iowa's Marketplace for education jobs

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Equal Opportunity Employer

All employers submitting a job opening for posting on the Teach Iowa system will not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or status as a veteran. A bona fide religious institution may choose to exercise the allowances in Iowa Code section 216.6.(6)d. Employers may have additional developed specific equal employment opportunity policies and procedures; please check with employers.

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Andrew Schlatter , Assistant Principal
• Prairie Trail Elementary
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]