Paraprofessional, SpEd Special Needs (PreK)

The Academy of Charter Schools Inc; Westminster (CO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Academy of Charter Schools Inc in Westminster, Colorado is seeking a Special Education Special Needs Paraprofessional to support students within a modified learning environment. Responsibilities include providing one-on-one support, assisting with personal needs, and collaborating with teachers to implement behavior plans.

A High School Diploma is required, along with experience working with students with learning disabilities. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required, experience with school-age students preferred.
• Must meet the NCLB requirements.
• Criminal background check and First Aid certification required.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to students with special needs.
• Assist with daily living activities.
• Collaborate with teachers to implement behavior plans.
• Maintain data collection records.

Skills

Effective communication

Classroom management

Behavior intervention strategies

Conflict resolution

Ability to work with diverse populations

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Completion of 48 college semester hours or an Associate's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

Office equipment (copier, fax machine)

Job description

SUMMARY

A Special Education Special Needs Paraprofessional supports individual students and groups of students in The Academy’s special education and general education to be successful within a highly modified and supported learning environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide one‑on‑one or small group support to students with special needs or behavior needs.
2. Assist students in maintaining personal and mental health functions as needed; may assist with personal care, safety support, feeding needs, and other daily living activities throughout the school day.
3. Collaborate closely with classroom and special education teachers, supporting special education students within the general education environment and implementing behavior intervention plans as needed.
4. Guide an individual student or small group of students with special needs through a modified daily schedule and provide supplemental academic instruction as needed.
5. Demonstrate flexibility, patience, and a love of children and teenagers.
6. Create and maintain good working relationships with staff and families, exercising tact and discretion in professional interactions.
7. Maintain data collection records on specific behaviors and goals.
8. Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with school‑age students with learning disabilities in an instructional environment.
• Must meet the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements: either an Associate’s degree or 2‑year college degree, completion of 48 college semester hours, or passing of a state CDE‑approved paraprofessional examination.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Criminal background check required for hire.
• First Aid certification required within 30 days of entering position.
• Complete Safety Training Class within 30 days of entering position.
• Crisis prevention training, preferred.
• Applied behavior analysis training or RBT training, preferred.

TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Ability to diffuse and manage stressful situations; maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge of Colorado School Law, authorizer policies, The Academy mission, philosophies, policies, and administrative procedures.
• Effective communication and cooperation with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.
• Understand importance of safety; follow safety rules; report unsafe conditions.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE

• Operating knowledge of personal computers and peripherals.
• Operating knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with all software used by the SPED department.
• Experience with typical office equipment such as telephones, copier, fax machine, e‑mail (preferred).

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS & DIRECTION/GUIDANCE

Reports to: Principal, Assistant Principal, or Dean. No direct reports.

BUDGET AND/OR RESOURCE RESPONSIBILITY

• This job has no budgetary responsibilities.

Physical Requirements:

• Stand – Predominantly over two‑thirds of the shift.
• Walk – Predominantly over two‑thirds.
• Light lifting up to 10 lbs – Lightly to moderately; no lifting beyond that.
• Verbal communication – Predominantly over two‑thirds.
• Data recording – Partial monitoring required.
• Any additional duties as assigned by the administration.