Special Education Preschool Paraprofessional

Garfield Elementary; Lewistown (MT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Garfield Elementary in Lewistown, MT is seeking a part-time Special Education Preschool Paraprofessional to assist three- and four-year-olds under the direction of the classroom teacher and building principal.

The role involves instructional support, IEP/IFSP implementation, personal care, and behavior/social guidance. Prior experience with special populations is preferred. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and is scheduled for 18.5 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Patience, empathy and communication skills required.
• Experience with special populations preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years old and have HS diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional support in small group or 1:1 settings.
• Assist with IEP/IFSP goals under teacher direction.
• Help with toileting, feeding, mobility and classroom routines.
• Support positive social interactions and behavior management.
• Prepare materials and maintain safe classroom environment.
• Record daily observations and progress notes for teachers.
• Be punctual and collaborate with staff, students and families.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Good communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Special Education Preschool Paraprofessional

Lewistown School District 1 Garfield Elementary - Lewistown, Montana Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Lewistown School District 1

Job Details

Job ID: 5918455

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: Sep 09, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

LewistownPublic Schools

Job Description

Job Title: SPECIAL EDUCATION PRESCHOOL PARAPROFESSIONAL

Reports To: Special Education Preschool Teacher and Building Principal

Work Hours: Mondays:9:00-11:30am, Tuesdays-Fridays: 9:00-2:00pm with a one hour lunch (18.5 hours/week).

SUMMARY:Garfield Elementary School is seeking a part‑time paraprofessional to serve in the special education preschool, assisting three and four year olds with daily tasks.A special education preschool paraprofessional helps young children with developmental delays or disabilities learn, play, and complete daily routines under a teacher's direction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties may be assigned.

• Instructional Support: Run small group or one‑on‑one activities based on lesson plans. Help adapt materials for early childhood learning.
• IEP Implementation: Follow goals from Individualized Education Programs (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP).
• Personal and Physical Care: Help young children with toileting, diapering, handwashing, feeding, and mobility.
• Behavioral and Social Support: Guide positive social interactions during play. Help manage behavioral outbursts using safe, approved strategies.
• Classroom Management: Prep craft or learning materials, clean up play areas, and keep students safe during indoor and outdoor play.
• Data Tracking: Write down daily observations and progress notes for the teacher.
• Punctuality:Adheres to school and classroom schedules and is punctual to work.
• Cooperation:Works cooperatively and effectively with staff, supervisors, students, parents and public.
• Skills: Patience, empathy, and good communication skills. Ability to keep student information private.

The above performance responsibilities are not all-inclusive and may be altered or added to by the buildingprincipal or classroom teacher.

QUALIFICATIONS -To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE- Must be at leasteighteen (18) years of age, have a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED); one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. The special educationclassroom requires experience working with special populations. Prefer advanced training or equivalent.

LANGUAGE SKILLS- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules,teacher instructions, schedules, and student accomodation and/or IEPs. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING ABILITY- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS -The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee mustbe able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.The employee must be able tokneel, sit on small chairs, squat, and run or move quickly on the playground.

WORK ENVIRONMENT -The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS -Employees of Lewistown Public Schools must exhibit acceptable work habits and perform tasks in a professional manner by adhering to the following guidelines: Maintain proper grooming and dress consistent with the type of task being performed; be regular in attendance and punctual for work; initiate tasks in a self‑directed manner and perform work with a minimum of supervision; organize work and manage time to achieve efficiency and high quality of work; perform tasks neatly and accurately in accordance with desired quality and quantity; provide positive feedback to supervisor(s) for implementing ideas which will make the work assigned more effective and efficient; maintain self control and a friendly, outgoing disposition; and maintain confidentiality of related work matters as applicable.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE -Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use will be required before hiring and may be required during your employment with the Lewistown Public Schools. Employees of Lewistown Public Schools must submit to a fingerprint criminal background check. Any appointment will be contingent upon the results of the criminal background report received from the Department of Justice, which must be acceptable to the Board of Trustees, in its sole discretion.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Classified Personnel.

For those classified employees employed under a written contract for a specified term, nothing contained in this job description shall create a property right beyond the specified duration of the employment contract.

Position Type: Part‑Time

Position Type: Part‑Time

Salary: $18.50 Per Hour

Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Individual Aide

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

• At least 1 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• High School/Trade School degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Brad Moore , Superintendent
• 215 7th Avenue South
• Lewistown, Montana 59457
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]