PK Paraprofessional (Sp Ed)

Southeast Polk Community School District; Altoona (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Polk Community School District is seeking a PK Paraprofessional (Sp Ed) at Altoona Elementary in Altoona, IA. The role runs 12:00-4:00 pm, supporting Pre-K to 12th grade students under supervision of licensed staff.

Requires a High School Diploma or GED and a Paraeducator Certificate from the Iowa Department of Education, plus successful background checks and pre-work screening. Prior experience in education preferred and willingness to obtain additional trainings as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Paraeducator Certificate from the Iowa Department of Education is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work with Pre-K to 12th Grade students.
• Background check and pre-work screening required at time of hire.
• Experience in an educational setting preferred.
• Ability to obtain required training (e.g., First Aid/CPR, CPI) as needed.
• Ability to work with students with diverse needs.

Responsibilities

• Assists with small groups and/or individual student instruction and supervision.
• Maintains a safe, orderly learning environment in classrooms, lunchroom, playground, and during field trips.
• Assists with classroom set up and material preparation.
• Supports physical or behavioral needs of individual students.
• Operates standard school equipment (computer, copier, AV equipment).
• Completes clerical tasks and maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Follows IEPs and teacher directives; communicates effectively with staff.
• Attends required staff meetings and trainings; maintains required certifications.

Education

High School Diploma

Paraeducator Certificate

Job description

PK Paraprofessional (Sp Ed)

Southeast Polk Community School District Altoona Elementary - Altoona, Iowa Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5965504
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Oct 20, 2026 3:20 PM (UTC)

Job Description

SOUTHEAST POLK COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Description

Qualifications

Title: PK Paraprofessional (Sp Ed)
Hours: 12:00-4:00 pm
Location: Altoona Elementary

Required

• High School Diploma or GED
• Paraeducator Certificate from the Iowa Department of Education
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work with the needs of all Pre-K thru 12th Grade students.
• Successful completion of physical, criminal background and child abuse registry check, and pre-work screening at time of hire.
• Experience working in an educational setting.
• Ability to obtain required training, including but not limited to the following: certification to administer medication to students, American Heart or Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification, Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI)
• Ability to work with all students with diverse needs.

Desired

• Successful work or volunteer experience with disabled population
• Supervisory experience with school age children

Reports to

Building Principal and Director of Special Education

Job Goal

To work under the supervision of teacher(s) or other licensed personnel who have the ultimate responsibility for the design and implementation of education and related service programs; to contribute to the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of children and youth.

Performance Responsibilities

• Assists with small groups and/or individual student instruction and supervision.
• Assists in maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment in a variety of school settings; i.e., classroom, lunchroom, playground, field trips.
• Assists with classroom set up and material preparation.
• Assists with physical or behavioral needs of individual students.
• Operates standard school equipment; i.e., computer, copier, audio-visual equipment.
• Completes clerical tasks as assigned.
• Uses standard universal health precautions.
• Reads and comprehends at the student's grade level or above.
• Practices being a positive motivator and able to develop working rapport with the student.
• Relates to and interacts with students using positive reinforcement and effective communication.
• Communicates effectively with all staff.
• Follows rules for clocking in and out.
• Follows IEP and teacher's directives.
• Does not get visibility upset by occasional bad language, threat of physical violence or personal habits of students.
• Practices patience and does not become easily discouraged.
• Helps student(s) to become one of the class.
• Maintains confidentiality and student privacy by only discussing student needs with staff that have an educational need to know the information.
• Reports to assigned center as scheduled.
• Implements daily activities (crafts, board games, activities, large group games or activities).
• Maintains a clean, sanitary, orderly and safe environment.
• Ensures the health and safety of the student at the building, on the outdoor play areas and on field trips.
• Is knowledgeable about program policies and procedures.
• Records behavioral incidents (time out, problem reports, accident reports, etc).
• Keeps all assigned paperwork up-to-date and submits in a timely manner (such as Medicaid, student academic or behavioral data)
• Serves as a positive role model for the students.
• Participates in home visits accompanied by the teacher when asked.
• Assists in the preparation, serving, and clean-up of breakfast, lunch and snacks as needed.
• Attends required staff meetings.
• Maintains professional growth, current Mandatory Reporting Training, First Aid, CPR certification as required by state and federal regulations.
• Assumes duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Teacher or Principal.
• Completes annual Bloodborne Pathogens training.

Physical Demands

• Must be capable of standing throughout the work day.
• Must present appropriate appearance and personal cleanliness suited to working in close proximity to school age children and adults.
• Must be able to work with interruptions during a work shift.
• Must be capable of working with students with different personalities, capabilities, and physical and mental limitations.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds to waist level.
• Must be capable of carrying equipment or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds for a distance of 50 feet.
• Must be capable of standing, walking (at variable speeds and duration to include running) and changing positions quickly throughout the workday (to include sitting on and getting up from the floor, sitting at different levels when using adult or various child height chairs (ranging from 12" seat height and above and getting up from these chairs); maintaining sustained kneeling, crouching, bending, leaning down and leaning over postures up to 40 minutes at a time).
• Must be willing to come into contact with body fluids such as urine and feces, blood and nasal secretions and contagious diseases such as flu and the common cold.
• Must be capable of using cleaning and sanitizing chemicals with appropriate PPE.
• Must be capable of working in broad range of temperatures, humidity and other winter and summer environments.
• Must be capable of working in a noisy environment.
• Must have physical dexterity in limbs and digits necessary to physically interact with children in a playground and classroom environment.

Clothing

• Outdoor clothing including coats, boots, gloves, and hat dependent on environmental conditions.
• Appropriate footwear for an environment where sharps, chemicals or body fluids may fall onto exposed skin.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of Southeast Polk Board Policy.

Terms of Employment

• Employment based on need.
• Hours and number of days assigned as need requires.

Disclaimer:
The statements of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.

It is the policy of the Southeast Polk Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), genetic information (for employment), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact, Dr. Justin Colbert, Deputy Superintendent, Equal Opportunity Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, Southeast Polk District Office, 8031 NE University Ave., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327, [phone], or [e-mail]. Inquiries or grievances may also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0201, [phone]; or the U.S. Department of Education, Region VII Office of Civil Rights, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago IL 60661.

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.

Contact Information

• Jacklyn Kretz
• 407 8th Street SE
• Altoona , Iowa 50009
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]