Special Education Paraeducator/Instructional Assistant - Preschool

Waterloo-Community-School-District

Waterloo (IA)

On-site

USD 25,000 - 28,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Waterloo Community School District Lowell Preschool in Waterloo, Iowa is hiring a Special Education Paraeducator/Instructional Assistant. This role supports teachers in delivering individualized or small-group instruction and monitors student progress within a preschool setting.

The position requires collaboration with staff and families, adherence to district policies, and strong focus on health, safety, and confidentiality.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required.
NCLB compliance or higher education credits must be met.
CPR training within employment.
Technology training as required for the position.

Responsibilities

Assists in providing instruction to individuals or small groups as directed by the teacher.
Participates in professional development and teamwork to improve practice.
Supports students based on individual needs and IEP/504/504 plans as applicable.
Attends IEP and behavior intervention meetings when required.
Monitors student behavior and reports progress to teachers and administrators.
Assists in implementing classroom health and safety practices.

Skills

Behavior management

Student guidance

Communication (oral & written)

Team collaboration

Professional conduct

Attendance & punctuality

Safety practices

Confidentiality

Adaptability

Relationship building

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

60 college credit hours / associate degree or IEP/competency license

CPR Training Certificate

Tools

Google Suites

Student information systems

Basis Promethean

Job description

Special Education Paraeducator/Instructional Assistant - Preschool

Waterloo Community School District LOWELL PRESCHOOL - Waterloo, Iowa

Job Details

Job ID: 5899295

Application Deadline: Sep 02, 2026 4:30 PM (Central Standard Time)

Posted: Aug 24, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

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

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:

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.