Special Education Paraprofessional III - STAR Academy - 2026/2027 SY

AVONDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT; Avondale (AZ); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Avondale Elementary School District is seeking a Paraprofessional III to support teachers in mild to severe self-contained special education classrooms. You will help implement individualized programs, prepare materials, and supervise students to maintain a conducive learning environment.

Position is 29.5 hours per week over 10 months, with pay on the Classified Hourly Salary Schedule. Requires an IVP clearance, strong English skills, and ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 60 college credits (100 level or higher) or an Associate's degree preferred.
• Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card required.
• Clerical experience is preferred.
• Experience with special needs children is preferred.
• Must be able to lift at least 30 pounds.
• Proficiency in English (verbal and written) required.
• Spanish and ASL knowledge preferred.
• Demonstrates warmth and understanding for exceptional students.
• First Aid and CPR certification (district may provide).
• Must pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Assist in formulating individualized student programs.
• Assist in classroom planning and preparation.
• Complete paperwork for individualized curriculum.
• Participate in school functions and activities.
• Help students develop social and work skills.
• Assist in implementing IEP objectives and goals.
• May assist in cafeteria and playground supervision.
• May accompany teacher on home visits or homebound instruction.
• Assist with medical needs of children.
• Assist with oral hygiene and personal hygiene as needed.
• Assist children with feeding as necessary.
• Position students from wheelchair to chair, toilet, etc.
• Assist in behavior modification plans and classroom discipline.
• Identify problems and refer to appropriate personnel; maintain confidentiality.
• Attend in-service activities and help with instruction materials.
• Tutor students with special needs and maintain records.

Skills

Empathy/soft skills

Special needs experience

Clerical experience

Proficient in English

Spanish

ASL

First Aid

CPR

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

60 college credits or Associate's degree

Tools

IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

First Aid Certification

CPR Certification

Job description

Paraprofessional III

I. General Description

To assist and support the teacher(s) in mild, moderate, and/or severe self contained special education classrooms in maintaining appropriate classroom activities and environment in order that students may learn effectively.

I. General Description

To assist and support the teacher(s) in mild, moderate, and/or severe self contained special education classrooms in maintaining appropriate classroom activities and environment in order that students may learn effectively.

II. Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Successful completion Para Educator assessment, 60 college credits (100 level or higher), or an Associate's degree
• Must possess a valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance card
• General clerical experience (preferred)
• Prior experience working with special needs children (preferred)
• Must be able to push, pull, or lift weights of at least 30 pounds
• Must be proficient in the use of the English language, both verbal and written
• Knowledge of Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) (preferred)
• Must possess a warmth and understanding for exceptional students
• First Aid and CPR certification (can be obtained by the district)
• Must possess a valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Must be able to pass a background check upon employment

III. Duties And Responsibilities

• Assists in formulating individualized student programs
• Assists in classroom planning and preparation
• Completes the necessary paperwork associated with individualized curriculum
• Participates in total school functions and extra curricular activities
• Helps each child develop social and work skills
• Assists in implementation of individual student objectives and goals identified in Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• May assist in cafeteria and playground supervision
• May accompany teacher on home visits or homebound instruction
• Assists with medical needs of children
• Assists with oral hygiene and personal hygiene (e.g., change diapers, toileting, feminine hygiene, and clothing as needed)
• Assists children with feeding as necessary
• Positions students from wheelchair to chair, toilet, etc.
• Assists teacher in implementing behavior modification plans and classroom discipline program
• Assists teacher in identifying problems and referring students to appropriate agencies or personnel for counseling, when needed. Follows District rules on confidentiality
• Attends in-service activities designed to help with instruction
• Assists the teacher in maintaining neat work and study areas
• Assists in the preparation and the collection of educational materials such as bulletin boards, charts, audio-visuals, seat work, dittos, flash cards, etc.
• Tutors students with special needs
• Maintains files and records as directed
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Reports To: Special Education Teacher, Site Administration, and/or Director of Exceptional Students and Comprehensive Health

Calendar: 10 Months; 29.5hrs/week

Salary: Classified Hourly Salary Schedule