Paraprofessional - Specialized Building Support

Sylvania; Allegan Township, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Allegan Public Schools' West Ward Elementary invites applications for a Paraprofessional - Specialized Building Support. The role aids students with academic and behavioral needs across general and special education settings and assists the Special Education team with daily tasks.

Starts April 13, 2026, 6.5 hours/day, Monday–Friday, student days only. Salary based on the Paraprofessional Bargaining Unit Agreement.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent; must be Highly Qualified per NCLB (60+ college credits or Parapro 460).
• CPI training required after hire.
• Previous childcare experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide classroom reinforcement to students receiving specially designed instruction.
• Assist academic and behavioral instruction per staff directions.
• Maintain confidentiality of school information.
• Supervise students during lunch, recess and before/after school.
• Attend scheduled meetings and collaborate with staff and parents.
• Assist with IEP implementation and building routines.
• Support students' educational, personal and health needs as required.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent; Highly Qualified under NCLB (60+ college credits or Parapro 460 score)

Job description

PARAPROFESSIONAL - SPECIALIZED BUILDING SUPPORT

SUMMARY: Assist students with academic and behavioral needs within the general education classroom, special education rooms and throughout the school building. Assists the Special Education team in general daily classroom activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide classroom based reinforcement to students receiving specially designed instruction in general education and special education classrooms
• Assist the building with academic and behavioral instruction, dependent on student needs, per the special education staff/principal
• Establish and maintain an instructional knowledge base that will be supportive of positive behavioral change and academic achievement for the students.
• Implement individual education plans (IEP's) for students
• Maintain strict confidentiality of school related information
• Assists in routine classroom operation and small group pupil instruction; tutors pupils at teacher's request
• Assist students in their educational, personal, health, behavioral needs, such as self-care, daily living skills, physical mobility, toileting, etc.
• Establish and maintain open, constructive professional relationships with school staff and parents/guardians
• Participate and utilize information gained in staff professional development
• Supervision of children to and from various rooms, during unstructured time (lunch, recess, before and after school, etc.)
• Attend and participate in all scheduled meetings
• Demonstrates understanding of student's academic/social/behavioral/developmental areas of need
• Demonstrates initiative and creativity with students and their programs
• Follows through with prescribed behavioral management programs
• Maintains flexibility (switching roles/positions/schedules within the building)
• Provides support on the building crisis intervention team
• Provide students with sensory breaks
• Ability to effectively present information one-on-one and small group situations.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: High School diploma or equivalent is required and applicants MUST be "Highly Qualified" as required under NCLB - this requires 60 or more college credits or a passing score of 460 on the ETS Parapro Assessment. Completion of CPI training after hire is required. Previous experience in childcare preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must be able to push items of 50 lbs., such as pushing children on a bike, in a wheelchair, or moving/rearranging furniture. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Starts April 13, 2026, Monday - Friday, 6.5 hours/day (7:53 a.m. to 2:53) p.m.), student days only.

SALARY: Based on Paraprofessional Bargaining Unit Agreement.

LOCATION: West Ward Elementary

REPORTS TO: Principal and/or Director of Special Education

For questions about this position, please contact:

Molly Carl, Principal
West Ward Elementary
[e-mail]

Allegan Public Schools complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, political belief, disability, handicap, or any other legally protected characteristic - in all of its programs and in employment. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the Superintendent, 550 Fifth St, Allegan, MI 49010 or by phone at [phone].