2025-26 Paraprofessional Early Childhood Special Education-Putnam Elementary School

SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting Early Childhood students by providing instruction and physical support for students with mild to significant support needs so that they may fully participate in class activities. Assist students with personal care, social skills and/or self-awareness. Assist teacher with classroom materials and clerical skills and monitor students.

JOB TASKS

• Assist the classroom teacher in individualizing the instruction for children by adapting materials for a varying range of individual students' needs and reinforcing learning skills in individual or small groups.
• Aid in the planning and implementation of the classroom procedures and routines and monitor and reinforce acceptable social and physical behavior.
• Support students with accessing the general education curriculum, and/or providing modifications to the classroom environment which may include AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) devices.
• Create a positive, caring, safe, and patient learning environment.
• Assist with implementing specialized services for students as outlined on IEPs.
• Assist students with personal care, social skills, or self-awareness skills.
• Support transitions to and from bus stops, to the bathroom, and movement within the building.
• Assist students with personal health, hygiene and meals or feedings. May include spoon feeding, tube feeding, toileting, catheterization, and diapering.
• Lift, transfer or push students in wheelchairs.
• Use alternative language techniques such as sign language or voice activated computer systems and adapt classroom materials for use by students.
• Support the classroom teacher in the assessment data collection of the strengths and needs of children three times a year and informally through the development of anecdotes, portfolios, and the use of classroom assessments on an ongoing basis.
• Support the classroom teacher in maintaining required student records, school, and program paperwork.
• Select and use behavioral techniques and methods appropriate to the student's circumstances.
• Utilize a positive behavior model in monitoring behavior.
• Work with children one-on-one, in small group, large group, circle, and outdoor time.
• Provide opportunities for students to assume responsibility and develop independence.
• Support the teacher in communicating the child's daily progress with parents or other staff who work with the child, if requested by the teacher.
• Participate in Integrated Services and Early Childhood professional growth opportunities, and meetings th t are required for special education paraprofessionals and childcare licensing certifications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES REQUIRED

• Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• Minimum of Level II in the Professional Development Information System (PDIS) of Colorado
• One year of related experience
• Experience working with students in a school setting preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable
• Criminal background check required for hire
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) required within 3 months of hire
• CPR and First Aid certifications within 30 days of hire
• PSD Blood Borne Pathogens course completed within 30 days of hire
• PSD Medication Administration course completed within 30 days of hire
• Valid Early Childhood medical statement completed within 30 days of hire
• Current immunizations statement completed within 30 days of hire