2026-2027 SY - Special Education Assistant (PCA) - Elementary

About the role

To provide technical and advanced assistance to assigned specialist or professional in delivering the educational plan, and meeting the goals and objectives of the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) of assigned student(s). Receives immediate supervision from assigned higher level staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist specialist/professional in delivering the educational plan, and meeting the goals and objectives of the IEP to assigned student(s).
• Assist in implementing daily activity lesson plans and curriculum as developed in the IEP by appropriate specialist or professional.
• Assist teacher/professional in maintaining appropriate files and records; attach all supporting documentation; ensure confidentiality of all records and files.
• Assist students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments to present or reinforce learning concepts.
• Operate and care for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes; and assistive technology.
• Assist with supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, lunch and field trips.
• Assist physically challenged student(s) with eating, dressing, personal hygiene and mobility functions when needed, e.g. in self-help, feeding and personal hygiene skills; in fine/gross motor skills; in adaptive competencies leading to independence.
• Assist in providing special medical needs of students.
• Provide close supervision for students with behavior problems in the classroom, and supports the teacher's management system.
• Deliver educational services to children who are homebound due to health limitations, and/or distance from school, etc.
• Daily travel from site to site, and from home to home.
• Prepare regular and special diet meals; operate choppers, blenders, mixers, and other equipment; and make adjustments to regulate ovens, or other cooking equipment.
• Assist in serving meals, paying particular attention to portioning, garnishing and meeting Federal meal requirements on each meal served.

Requirements

Knowledge of classroom management and cultural diversities of the local area, including traditional Native American beliefs of students and families.

• Ability to administer and provide emergency first aid services to children.
• Promote positive child behavior and a safe and healthy environment.
• Handle and maintain student records confidentially.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing in English.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Maintain mental capacity for effective interaction and communication.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to assigned duties.
• Understand and respect cultural diversities and Native American traditional beliefs and practices.

Experience: Some related experience including public contact is desirable.

Education: High School Diploma or equivalency.

Licensure: Possession of, or ability to obtain:

• Level I Educational Assistant License from the New Mexico Public Education Department.
• Appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Appropriate, valid First Aid certificate.
• Food Handler's Permit, if required.

Working Conditions: On-site attendance is mandatory; office and field environment; travel site to site; exposure to human body fluids and cleaning/sterilization chemicals. Physical Conditions: Maintain physical condition necessary for sitting and standing prolonged periods; moderate to heavy lifting and repeated bending.

Schedule

Work Hours: 7.5 hours per day.

Contract Length: 194 days.

Pay

Minimum Salary: $27,045.00.

Maximum Salary: $33,728.00.