Special Education Paraeducator - Early Childhood Preschool

Waterloo-Community-School-District; Evansdale (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterloo Community School District is seeking a Special Education Paraeducator for the Early Childhood Preschool program. This role supports a teacher, manages small groups, and helps maintain a productive learning environment.

The position requires working with students with special needs, implementing Individualized Education Programs, and collaborating with staff, families, and students to promote academic progress and well-being. Immediate start preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalency.
• NCLB compliance – 60 college credit hours, associate's degree or license.
• CDA required within 1 year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing instruction to individuals or small groups as directed by the teacher.
• Participate in professional development and implement IEP/504/related plans as needed.
• Monitor and assist students with behavior, academics, or health issues as directed.

Skills

Behavior management

Communication skills

Classroom support

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

60 college credits / associate degree

CDA or license (Iowa)

CPR certification

Tools

Google Suites

Student information systems

Educational technology

Job description

Special Education Paraeducator - Early Childhood Preschool

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Waterloo Schools is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Job Summary: This position works under the direction of the building administrator and Director of Special Education. This position is responsible for assisting a teacher to provide an efficient and effective classroom and school environment for students by providing assistance with educational programing, either individually or small groups of students. This position is also responsible for monitoring, redirecting students to support academic progress, providing supervision of students, and performing a variety of clerical duties as assigned.

Hiring Specifications:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalency
• NCLB compliance – 60 college credit hours, associate’s degree, generalist or specialist para educator license issued by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners OR successful completion of the district-approved competency test
• Computer/technology training as required for the position

Certification:

• NCLB compliance – see above
• Child Development Associate (CDA) required within 1 year of employment
• CPR Training Certificate

Experience:

• Experience working with students with special needs preferred

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Knowledge of behavior management techniques
• Knowledge of child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to students with learning disabilities, development delays and autistic behavior
• Knowledge of core subjects taught in district schools including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading, including punctuation and vocabulary and ability to assist with instructional and related activities in a learning environment
• Knowledge of safe practices in classroom and playground activities and health regulations
• Knowledge of core instructional methods and techniques
• Ability to monitor and observe student behavior according to approved policies and procedures
• Knowledge of district policies, rules and regulations
• Basic record-keeping skills
• Ability to develop rapport and interact effectively with students
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to handle emotionally charged situations
• Ability to interact and collaborate with staff, students and families in a professional manner
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with staff, parents and community members regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic/national origin, religion, marital status, age, socio-economic status or disability
• Show professional and ethical conduct as defined by district policy and procedures
• Show excellent attendance and is consistently on time for work as scheduled (including after all breaks)
• Maintain a professional appearance
• Intermediate computer skills (Google Suites, search function, student information systems, basis promethean)
• Ability to reach all skill levels listed if not already acquired

Technology Requirements:

• Basic computer skills (computer navigation, email, web browser, Employee Portal)
• Intermediate computer skills (Google Suites, search function, student information systems, basis promethean)
• Ability to reach all skill levels listed if not already acquired

Supervision of Others:

• N/A

Personal Contacts:

• All district staff, students and families
• Central Rivers AEA personnel

Job Duties

• Assists in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher.
• Actively participates in professional development.
• Provide additional support to students based on individual need.
• Actively participates in IEP meetings, behavior intervention meetings when applicable.
• Works with others to improve professional practice and student learning.
• Monitors and assists students in prescribed learning activities.
• Monitors, observes and reports progress of student(s) in regards to behavior, academics or health related issues as determined by teacher, instructional strategist or administrator.
• Assists students and parents by providing proper examples, emotional support and general guidance as directed.
• Communicates with teachers regarding programs and materials to meet student needs.
• Follows health and safety practices and regulations.
• Assists students in developing self-help and self-advocacy skills as directed.
• Assists in implementing specialized student plans (IEP, BIP, 504, IHP), as needed.
• Supports Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) initiatives.
• Communicates models and maintains standards of responsible student behavior in line with classroom and building goals and rules.
• Uses instructional time effectively to maximize student achievement.

Job Details

Job ID: 5951374

Application Deadline: Nov 27, 2026 4:30 PM (Central Standard Time)

Posted: Oct 06, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $18.29 to $20.25 Per Hour

Waterloo Community School District POYNER - Evansdale, Iowa

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Jill Barta , Lead Teacher
• POYNER
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]