PreK - 12th Grade Certificated Paraprofessional (26-27 School Year)

Young World Physical Education; Independence (MO); On-site; USD 20,457 - 29,136; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Optional fully paid health insurance

Extra duty options

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is looking for a PreK - 12th Grade Certificated Paraprofessional for the 2026-2027 school year. The position offers a rate of $18.23 per hour, with the first day of employment on August 20, 2026. Candidates must hold a Substitute Teaching Certificate or relevant experience.

As a paraprofessional, you will support the instructional program and provide assistance to special needs students. The position involves a full-time commitment of 7.5 hours a day for 179 days each year, ensuring a rewarding education environment.

Qualifications

• Must hold or be eligible for a Substitute Teaching Certificate with a minimum of 36 college credit hours.
• Prior experience in childcare or paraprofessional roles is preferred.
• Ability to assist medically fragile or physically disabled students.

Responsibilities

• Administer tests, homework, and make-up work to support teachers.
• Monitor students during school environments.
• Implement classroom activities under the direction of the supervising teacher.

Skills

Adhering to safety practices

Operating standard office equipment

Maintaining accurate records

Conflict resolution

Communicating with diverse groups

Education

60 college credit hours

Community college/vocational school degree

Job description

PreK - 12th Grade Certificated Paraprofessional (26-27 School Year)

This position is for the 2026-2027 school year. Paraprofessionals work 7.5 hours a day for 179 days each year. Paraprofessionals typically only work on days students attend. Rate of pay is based on previous years of experience in childcare or paraprofessional roles. The Fort Osage School District prioritizes high quality benefits, including optional fully paid health insurance, extra duty options and more.

There are multiple openings district-wide. Paraprofessionals will be placed based on their individual skill set and highest needs throughout the District. First day of employment would be August 20, 2026.

Must hold or be eligible for a Substitute Teaching Certificate through DESE (36 college credit hours required). In lieu of education, may consider a high school diploma with relevant experience and must pass the Para Praxis test through DESE, or complete the 20‑hour online course through DESE and attain a substitute certificate.

For questions or to learn more, contact the Human Resources Department (816-650-7004).

Purpose Statement

The job of Paraprofessional – Special Education is to provide support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom, in a self‑contained classroom, and in school settings; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior; and providing information to appropriate school personnel.

Essential Functions

• Administers tests, homework, make‑up work, etc., to support teachers in the classroom.
• Administers immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional (e.g., diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.) to meet immediate health care needs.
• Assists medically fragile or physically disabled students to maintain personal hygiene.
• Attends meetings and in‑service presentations (e.g., behavior, instructional, interventions, first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) to acquire and/or convey information related to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff and professional support personnel to update the progress of IEP goals.
• Escorts students (e.g., bathroom, office, classroom, bus, etc.) to ensure safe arrival to and/or from destinations at school.
• Implements behavioral plans for students under the supervision of the assigned teacher to present and reinforce learning concepts.
• Implements classroom activities, assignments, and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher to support and reinforce classroom objectives.
• Models conversation, manners, clean‑up activities, listening skills, etc., to demonstrate appropriate and positive social and interpersonal behavior.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within various school environments (e.g., rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs general clerical duties (e.g., scheduling, copying, faxing, data entry, filing, maintaining instructional materials, etc.) to maintain structured lesson plans.
• Reports health and safety issues to the assigned administrator and appropriate agencies (e.g., fights, suspected child or substance abuse, inappropriate social behaviors, etc.) to maintain students' personal safety, a positive learning environment, and comply with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Skills: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment and software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge: basic math (fractions, percentages, ratios); understanding written procedures; speaking clearly; multi‑step written and oral instructions; age‑appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; stages of child development/behavior.

Abilities: scheduling activities; gathering and collating data; using basic job‑related equipment; flexibility to work with others in various circumstances; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; problem‑solving with data and equipment; adapting to changing work priorities.

Responsibility

Working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

Physical demands include significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity. Job requires approximately 20% sitting, 55% walking, 25% standing. Work conducted under minimal temperature variations and potential exposure to risk of injury or illness.

Experience

Job‑related experience desired.

Education

Community college and/or vocational school degree with study in a job‑related area.

Equivalency

60 college credit hours.

Certificates and Licenses

Valid Missouri Substitute Certificate.

Continuing Education / Training

Maintains certificates and/or licenses; criminal background clearance.

Clearances

Criminal background clearance; Children's Division (DSS) clearance.

FLSA Status

Non‑Exempt.

Position Type

Full‑Time.

Salary

$18.23 per hour.

Job Requirements

• High School/Trade School degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.