Special Education Assistant I (Setting IV Journey Program; 6.75 hours per day)

Isd 728; United States; On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Elk River Area ISD 728 in Minnesota seeks a dedicated Special Education Paraprofessional to join the Journey Program for the 2026-2027 school year. The position is 7:15am-2:30pm on a 10-month calendar, located at Meadowvale Elementary School, working with students in a self-contained Setting IV program.

You will collaborate with Special Education teachers to support academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth, implement BIPs as needed, and help maintain a safe, inclusive classroom.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must meet State of Minnesota Paraprofessional requirements (e.g., an Associate's degree, 60 college credits, or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment).
• Previous experience working with children, especially those with special needs, is highly preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain extreme confidentiality regarding student records and needs.
• Patience, empathy, and a positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Instructional Support: Assist the lead teacher in delivering individualized or small-group instruction based on students' IEPs.
• Student Engagement: Help keep students focused and engaged in general education and special education classroom settings.
• Behavioral Support: Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and assist in de-escalating challenging behaviors using district-approved techniques.
• Data Collection: Assist teachers in observing, recording, and charting students' behavioral and academic progress.
• Personal Care (if applicable): Assist students with physical or developmental disabilities with daily living activities, which may include feeding, mobility, and personal hygiene.
• Classroom Management: Help prepare instructional materials, set up assistive technology, and maintain an organized, welcoming classroom environment.

Skills

Strong communication

Discretion / confidentiality

Patience

Empathy

Experience with special needs students

Team collaboration

Education

Associate's degree or 60 college credits

ParaPro Assessment passing score

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Special Education Assistant I (Setting IV Journey Program; 6.75 hours per day) JobID: 19354

Join Our Team at Elk River Area ISD 728!

Are you ready to educate, inspire, and empower diverse learners?

Come make a difference at Elk River Area ISD 728, the eighth-largest school district in the state! We are a rapidly growing, forward-thinking district dedicated to shaping our students' futures so they can accomplish their dreams and contribute positively to our local and global communities.

Why choose ISD 728?

• A Culture of Excellence: Be part of a winning team! Our district boasts an impressive 89% graduation rate—outpacing the state average by more than 4 percentage points. Our students consistently achieve greatness, from advancing in the National Civics Bee to winning big at the Minnesota State Science Excellence Fair.
• Unprecedented Growth & Innovation: As our community continues to grow, so do our opportunities. We are actively expanding our learning spaces, Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, and targeted student services to meet the needs of our dynamic district.
• A Role for Everyone: Whether you are an experienced educator or looking to support our schools in other vital ways, we have a place for you! We are actively hiring across multiple departments, including Teachers, Administrative and Classroom Assistants, Summer Special Education Assistants, Custodial Grounds, Food Service, and EdVenture Club Child Care professionals.

Help us build strong schools and strong communities. Explore our current openings and join us in making a meaningful impact today!

Job Overview:

ISD 728 is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Education Paraprofessional to join our Setting IV program Team for the 2026-2027 school year. ISD 728 has two program sites, Journey and Focus. The primary location for this position is at the Journey Program which is located within Meadowvale Elementary School. Position hours are 7:15am-2:30pm. In this role, you will work closely with Special Education Teachers to support the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth of students with diverse learning needs in a self-contained program. The ideal candidate is patient, adaptable, and passionate about helping every student reach their full potential in a safe and inclusive environment. Applicants must be able to complete Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training (CPI) and Ukeru Training. These trainings are provided by the district/program.

Effective Date of Employment

2026-2027 school year (immediate opening)

Schedule

10 month calendar

Salary

starts at $22.08 per hour

Key Responsibilities

• Instructional Support: Assist the lead teacher in delivering individualized or small-group instruction based on students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Student Engagement: Help keep students focused and engaged in general education and special education classroom settings.
• Behavioral Support: Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and assist in de-escalating challenging behaviors using district-approved techniques.
• Data Collection: Assist teachers in observing, recording, and charting students' behavioral and academic progress.
• Personal Care (if applicable): Assist students with physical or developmental disabilities with daily living activities, which may include feeding, mobility, and personal hygiene.
• Classroom Management: Help prepare instructional materials, set up assistive technology, and maintain an organized, welcoming classroom environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must meet State of Minnesota Paraprofessional requirements (e.g., an Associate's degree, 60 college credits, or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment).
• Previous experience working with children, especially those with special needs, is highly preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain extreme confidentiality regarding student records and needs.
• Patience, empathy, and a positive attitude.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to lift/assist students or move equipment up to [Insert Weight, e.g., 40 lbs] if required

Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.

Equity is one of ISD728's core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first to ensure college and career readiness. A diverse workforce fuels innovation and allows us to better understand, communicate with, and educate our students. ISD728 will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, age, sexual preference, disability, or satus with regard to public assistance.

Postings current as of 10/7/2026 10:57:28 PM CST.