Special Education Paraprofessional - 2 positions

Sylvania; Haslett (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

East Lansing Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to support teachers with instruction and routines at Donley Elementary. The role includes classroom assistance, behavior support, progress tracking, and essential clerical tasks in a primary setting.

The position requires a high school diploma, strong communication, and the ability to work with diverse learners. Salary ranges per ELESPA contract; ASAP start; deadline Sept 16, 2026.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Ability to use basic office and audiovisual equipment.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work with students at varying age levels.
• Ability to use basic word processing on computers.
• Ability to carry out lesson plans for small groups or individuals.
• Ability to push/pull up to 220 pounds on a wheeled cart.
• Willingness to participate in CPI training and related training.
• Experience with children with cognitive/behavioral impairments or ASD preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides group or individualized instruction and remediation per teacher plans.
• Implements behavior intervention programs and monitors data.
• Supervises students in non-structured settings (arrival, lunch, recess).
• Summarizes student progress toward IEP goals with teachers.
• Assists in developing, maintaining, and adapting instructional materials.
• Records attendance and performs clerical tasks for teachers.
• Assists with instructional technology under teacher direction.
• Cleans and sanitizes classroom equipment per district standards.
• Supervises students under teacher direction in school or community settings.
• Performs other duties as assigned by teachers or administrators.
• Provides medical supports in the bathroom (toileting assistance).

Skills

Basic office equipment

Verbal & written communication

Group/individual instruction support

Word processing / computer skills

CPI training willingness

Mobility / physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience with cognitive impairments or ASD preferred

Tools

A/V equipment usage

Job description

Position details

• Position: Special Education Paraprofessional - 1.0 FTE (2 positions)
• Location: Donley 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

• 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).

Education, Knowledge and Skills Required

• 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.

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