Special Education - Paraprofessional - Early Learning

McLean County Unit District No; Waukee (IA); On-site; USD 26,835 - 30,858; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Board-paid medical

Board-paid dental

Board-paid vision

Job summary

McLean County Unit District No in Iowa seeks a Special Education Paraprofessional for Early Learning at Sugar Creek Elementary School. The role supports students with learning disabilities, autism, or mild behaviors within a general education setting under teacher supervision.

The paraprofessional assists with instructional materials, classroom management, and student self-care, while upholding confidentiality and ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills to work with teachers, education support personnel, building administrators, and the public.
• Must possess an educator license with stipulations endorsed for paraprofessional or professional educator license.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and push/pull up to 10 lbs.
• Detail-oriented and able to maintain confidentiality of student information.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate instructional efforts with classroom teachers.
• Prepare lesson materials and teaching displays.
• Assist with student supervision in classrooms and on campus.
• Support students with self-care, hygiene, and feeding as necessary.
• Maintain records and complete required reports promptly.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Observation skills

Adaptability

Education

Educator license / paraprofessional endorsement

Job description

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Special Education – Paraprofessional – Early Learning

Location: Sugar Creek Elementary School

Department: Building Personnel

Reports to: Principal/Assistant Principal

FLSA Class: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.0

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for working closely with students in a general education classroom with students with learning disabilities, autism, or mild behaviors on a regular basis in an effort to provide them with the support they need to gain full benefit from the District's special education program.

DUTIES

• Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.
• Prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations as needed.
• Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, or supervised role‑playing methods.
• Establish a supportive and sympathetic relationship with the student(s) without fostering or encouraging intense emotional involvement.
• Serve as a resource person to the student personnel evaluation team as requested.
• Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, gymnasiums, or on field trips.
• Conduct demonstrations to teach skills such as sports, dancing, and handicrafts.
• Distribute teaching materials such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils to students.
• Distribute tests and homework assignments, and collect them when completed.
• Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
• Grade homework and tests, and compute and record results, using answer sheets or electronic marking devices.
• Complete required reports in a timely manner.
• Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
• Work with students with multiple physical, mental, and developmental disabilities.
• Be familiar with and use adaptive equipment including communication equipment, wheelchairs, and adaptive feeding tools.
• Assist students with self‑care, hygiene, and feeding as necessary.
• May be required to perform tasks that students are not able to do, such as taking notes, handling materials, or holding books.
• May work with or handle resistive students.
• Serve as the chief source of information and help to any substitute teacher in the absence of the regular teacher.
• Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as expected of fully licensed teachers.
• Assist the classroom teacher in other tasks necessary to maintain a professional and positive classroom environment, and perform other teacher aide duties as may be assigned by the classroom teacher, administration, or Board of Education.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a registered license with the Regional Office of Education #17 at the time of hire.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills to work with teachers, education support personnel, building administrators, and the general public.
• Enforce school regulations and policies in a professional manner.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with fellow employees and students.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and push/pull up to 10 lbs.
• Must be detail‑oriented.

CERTIFICATION

Must possess an educator license with stipulations endorsed for paraprofessional educator or professional educator license at the time of hire.

COMPENSATION

Fully board‑paid medical, dental, and vision available.

Per the 2026-2027 Teaching Assistant Salary Schedule, the starting pay range is $19.48 - $22.40 per hour, based upon experience.