Special Education Paraprofessional

Sylvania; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits

Professional development opportunities

Diverse education community

Collaborative environment

Strong student outcomes focus

Job summary

East Lansing Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to support teachers and students at Red Cedar Elementary. The role involves instructional support, behavior reinforcement, attendance and clerical tasks under supervision of the building principal.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, strong communication skills, and experience with diverse learners. The position offers hourly pay under the ELESPA contract and a start ASAP with a deadline of September 16,

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• The demonstrated ability to use basic office and audiovisual equipment is required.
• The demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing is required.
• The demonstrated ability to work with students at varying age/developmental levels is required.
• The demonstrated ability to work with computer programs including basic word processing is desired.
• The ability to carry out lesson plans for small groups and/or individual students or modify lesson plans or materials as needed is required.
• The ability to push and/or pull up to 220 pounds on a wheeled cart is required.
• The ability and willingness to participate in and implement CPI training and other relevant training.
• May be required to assist with Community Based Instruction activities, depending on the student’s IEP.
• Training and experience working with children having cognitive impairments, emotional impairments or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides group or individualized academic instruction, remediation or guided practice using instructional objectives and lessons developed by the teacher.
• Implements program-wide and individual student behavior intervention programs, including monitoring behavior data collection, preparing incident reports, physical intervention and reward system under the direction of classroom teachers.
• Supervises and monitors students within non-structured settings (i.e. arrival, departure, lunch and recess).
• Collects information on and summarizes student progress toward achievement of IEP goals/objectives under the direction of classroom teachers.
• Assists in the development, maintenance, and adaptation of instructional materials under the direction of classroom teachers.
• Records attendance, maintains records, and performs other clerical tasks under the direction of classroom teachers.
• Assists in the use of instructional technology under the direction of classroom teachers.
• Cleans and sanitizes classroom equipment according to district standards.
• Supervises students under teacher direction within school or community based instructional settings.
• Assumes other duties and responsibilities as assigned by classroom teachers or the supervising administrator.
• Provides medical supports in the bathroom (toileting assistance).

Skills

Basic office equipment

Verbal and written communication

Age/developmental level flexibility

Word processing

CPI training

Lifting up to 220 lbs

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience with children with cognitive impairments or ASD preferred

Job description

Come Join Our Team!

Position

Special Education Paraprofessional - 1.0 FTE

Job URL

www.bit.ly/elpsjobs

Location

Red Cedar Elementary

Salary

$17.44 – $22.86 per hour (pursuant to ELESPA contract based on experience)

Work Year

26/27 School Year

Start Date

ASAP

Reports To

Building Principal

Application Deadline

September 16, 2026

General Summary

In alignment with the established policies and procedures of the East Lansing Public School District, the Special Education Paraprofessional is responsible for assisting the teacher with teaching-related activities as well as non-teaching activities. The paraprofessional will be evaluated by the building principal. The duties listed below are not intended to be all-inclusive; rather, they are representative of some of the primary responsibilities associated with this position.

About the Role

1. Provides group or individualized academic instruction, remediation or guided practice using instructional objectives and lessons developed by the teacher.
2. Implements program-wide and individual student behavior intervention programs, including monitoring behavior data collection, preparing incident reports, physical intervention and reward system under the direction of classroom teachers.
3. Supervises and monitors students within non-structured settings (i.e. arrival, departure, lunch and recess).
4. Collects information on and summarizes student progress toward achievement of IEP goals/objectives under the direction of classroom teachers.
5. Assists in the development, maintenance, and adaptation of instructional materials under the direction of classroom teachers.
6. Records attendance, maintains records, and performs other clerical tasks under the direction of classroom teachers.
7. Assists in the use of instructional technology under the direction of classroom teachers.
8. Cleans and sanitizes classroom equipment according to district standards.
9. Supervises students under teacher direction within school or community based instructional settings.
10. Assumes other duties and responsibilities as assigned by classroom teachers or the supervising administrator.
11. Provides medical supports in the bathroom (toileting assistance).

Education, Knowledge and Skills Required

1. A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
2. The demonstrated ability to use basic office and audiovisual equipment is required.
3. The demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing is required.
4. The demonstrated ability to work with students at varying age/developmental levels is required.
5. The demonstrated ability to work with computer programs including basic word processing is desired.
6. The ability to carry out lesson plans for small groups and/or individual students or modify lesson plans or materials as needed is required.
7. The ability to push and/or pull up to 220 pounds on a wheeled cart is required.
8. The ability and willingness to participate in and implement CPI training and other relevant training.
9. May be required to assist with Community Based Instruction activities, depending on the student’s IEP.
10. Training and experience working with children having cognitive impairments, emotional impairments or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is preferred.

About Us

East Lansing Public Schools is a high-achieving, diverse district committed to excellence, equity, and belonging. Located in a vibrant university community and neighboring Michigan State University, ELPS benefits from multiple partnerships that enrich learning opportunities for students and staff. We offer rigorous academic programs, a strong commitment to the arts and athletics, and a focus on preparing students for college, careers, and civic life. Our dedicated staff foster inclusive, supportive learning environments where every student is valued and empowered to succeed. With engaged families and a collaborative culture, ELPS is proud to inspire lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.

Why Join ELPS

• Commitment to creating a positive learning experience for all students
• Diverse education community
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Collaborative and supportive environment
• Robust professional development opportunities

Non-Discrimination Statement

NONDISCRIMINATION In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, it is the policy of the East Lansing Public Schools that no person shall on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity) , age, disability, height, weight, genetic discrimination, marital status, military status, or any other legally protected category be illegally excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any program, activity, or service or in employment. In accordance with Federal regulations, East Lansing Public Schools has appointed a Title IX Coordinator. Any questions, suggestions or complaints should be directed to:

Mission

Nurturing each child Educating all students Building world citizens