Special Education Paraprofessional Coop (#2876) - WeKan Center

Hays USD 489; Kansas; On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

USD 489 is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional Coop to assist certified staff in classrooms, supporting students with special needs to meet instructional goals.

Hours are 3:36 per day, Monday through Friday when school is in session. Compensation is $16.04 per hour; non-KPERS eligible. A high school diploma or equivalent and a satisfactory background check are required. This role also involves field trips, documentation, and implementing IEP objectives.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalency.
• Selected candidate must have a satisfactory criminal background check prior to first day of employment.

Responsibilities

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, and other skills.
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Constructs, copies and distributes and use educational materials as needed.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement of IEP objectives, etc.
• Assist students with disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Special Education Paraprofessional Coop (#2876) - WeKan Center

Job Posting ID: 67 Location(s): WeKan Center Employment Type: Part Time Posted Date: 11/04/2026 Deadline: Until Filled

Position Information

Job Description

About USD 489

Disclaimer Statement

Special Education Paraprofessional Coop

Position Contact:

Lindy McDaniel, Assistant Special Education Director

785-623-2400, [e-mail]

Qualifications:

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalency.
• Selected candidate must have a satisfactory criminal background check prior to first day of employment.

Hours:3:36 hours per day, Monday - Friday when school is in session.

Compensation: $16.04 per hour

Non-KPERS Eligible

Position Purpose
Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, and other skills.
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Constructs, copies and distributes and use educational materials as needed.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement of IEP objectives, etc.
• Assist students with disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Additional Duties

• Perform any other related duties as assigned.
  • Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Travel Requirements

• Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.
  • Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

Qualifications Profile

• Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hays School District has about 3,000 students that are enrolled in a high school, middle school, four elementary schools, and an alternative school. The staff of Unified School District No. 489 are recognized throughout Kansas and across the nation as leaders in educational excellence.

Hays Public Schools enjoy tremendous support from the community. Through this support, USD 489 is able to offer programs like all-day, kindergarten, the smallest class sizes in the state for districts our size, and a longer school year. An extensive special education program serves children with special needs. Early childhood programs serve children and their families in a three-county area from before-birth to age six. Technology, throughout the district, is used to supplement and strengthen the instructional program. The most noticeable aspect of our technology is in our ratio of students to computers. At Hays High and the middle schools it is 1:1; and 2:1 in the elementary schools.

While doing an excellent job on the test score race, the staff continues to seek to develop the creativity, curiosity, and problem solving skills of students as well. The challenges of the future are best dealt with by applying creativity and foresight to a solid foundation. We are equipped at USD 489.

To learn more about our schools, visit our website at www.usd489.com .

USD 489, Ellis County, Kansas, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or handicap in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. If you have questions regarding the above, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504 Coordinator in the office of the Superintendent of Schools, 323 W. 12th Street, Hays, Kansas 67601, [phone].