USD #493 Columbus Central Elementary - Instructional Paraeducator

Young World Physical Education; Columbus (KS); On-site; USD 18,597 - 19,148; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education in Columbus, Kansas is hiring an Instructional Paraeducator to assist in the education of special needs students. Responsibilities include supervising and caring for students, adapting activities for participation, and collaborating with staff for student progress. Applicants should have a high school diploma, at least 48 college hours, and a desire to support diverse learners. Offering a starting pay of $13.50 to $13.90 per hour and opportunities for in-service training.

Qualifications

• Experience with special needs students is desired.
• Ability to handle personal care needs for students.
• Skills in operating standard office equipment and software.

Responsibilities

• Assist in supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students.
• Adapt classroom activities for special education students.
• Participate in training to meet annual State requirements.

Skills

Adhering to safety practices

Instructional procedures and practices

Effective interpersonal relationships

Basic math skills

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

48 college hours or qualifying score on the Master Teacher Online Exam

Tools

Standard office equipment

Job description

USD #493 Columbus Central Elementary - Instructional Paraeducator

SEK Interlocal #637 SPED USD493-Central Elem- Columbus, KS - Columbus, Kansas

Job ID: 5702484

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: May 08, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Instructional Paraeducator

Purpose:

The job of the Instructional Paraeducator was established for the purposes of assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of students with special needs in the regular education classroom, interrelated resource rooms or other special needs settings; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior; and providing information to appropriate school personnel, all under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher.

This position may work with students in Early Childhood settings, Elementary or Secondary classrooms, resource rooms, or with speech and school psych providers. Additionally, this position may work with students with mild to moderate disabilities who may also be deaf/hard of hearing, have visual impairments, and/or other disabilities, and are able to be served in the general education setting.

Responsible to: Special Education Teacher, District Administration; SEK 637 Administration

Experience: Job related experience is desired.

Education/Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must have 48 college hours or a qualifying score on the Master Teacher Online Exam within the first 90 days of employment, and 20 hours per year of in‑service training are required. All para educator positions are considered non‑exempt, at‑will positions.

Clearances:

• Criminal Background check
• Health and Inoculation Certificate on file in Central Office

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

Wages: Based on hourly rate, number of days worked, and completion of required trainings (9‑month school calendar)

Essential Functions:

• Adapts and provides accommodations of classroom activities; assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of providing an opportunity for special education students to actively participate in general education and/or resource room activities.
• Aids students in and out of classroom (e.g. packing backpacks, note taking, relationship building, field trips, social skills, etc.) for the purpose of providing assistance to students’ needs and social growth.
• Assists students requiring supports in addressing personal care needs due to medical condition and/or physical limitations (i.e. diaper changing, potty training, lavatory, hand washing, nutritional, etc.) for the purpose of allowing students to function and maintain participation in the general education school environment.
• Participates in trainings (e.g. education strategies, specific disability education, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to the job functions to meet established annual State requirements.
• Collaborates with staff for the purpose of providing necessary support and information related to the student’s progress as established in the Individual Education Plan under the direction of certified staff.
• Creates visual aids based on the level of the student’s visual impairment for the purpose of improving the student’s learning process (for para educators serving students with vision impairments).
• Implements educational and behavioral programming under the supervision of the classroom certified staff for the purpose of developing new skills for students.
• Assists students with challenging and/or aggressive behaviors in accordance with the general education policies, procedures, and the IEP.
• Instructs students in a variety of activities in individual and group settings within the general education building (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of meeting IEP goals under the direction of certified staff.
• Maintains instructional materials and data sheets for the purpose of ensuring availability of instructional materials and/or providing reliable information regarding student progress.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments and/or community environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, fire drills, assemblies, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive environment conducive to learning.
• Assists in establishing a positive learning environment, and responds to the individual needs of students.
• The ability to work cooperatively and demonstrate effective interpersonal relationships with other paras, professionals, community agencies, and other groups.
• Assists in safeguarding confidential information, and observes confidentiality requirements.
• Uses appropriate behavior management techniques to maintain a positive climate for learning.
• Faithful, daily attendance and adherence to work schedules.
• Observes all district and interlocal policies during activities.
• Restricts cell phone usage to break and lunch times.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the educational team.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications:

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill‑based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices, operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and using district‑approved crisis intervention techniques.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math; read and follow instructions; and understand complex, multi‑step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge‑based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: instructional procedures and practices; age‑appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/behavior; and safe handling of blood‑borne pathogens and crisis de‑escalation techniques.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, collect data; and use basic, job‑related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Specific ability‑based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating/collaboration with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; working as part of a team; working with constant interruptions; and the ability to take constructive feedback.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions frequently require the following physical demands: walking, sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and fine finger dexterity. This position may also require some travel, the ability to work indoors/outdoors year around, as well as the ability to work in noisy, stressful, and crowded environments.

Position Type: Full‑Time

Salary: $13.50 to $13.90 Per Hour