Education Support Professional (Special Education: Early Childhood Therapeutic Education Alternative Program)

Location: Pine Bend Elementary School, Inver Grove Heights, MN – Therapeutic Education Alternative (TEA) Program for Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Schedule

7:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, following the ECSE school calendar as assigned

Starting pay rate: $23.00 per hour per the Education Support Professional Contract

About the Role

Under the guidance of the classroom teacher and the direct supervision of program assistant directors/principals, our Education Support Professional (ESP) aids students in meeting their individualized education plan (IEP) goals in areas such as educational, communication, emotional, physical, and behavioral development. ESPs work with students individually and in small groups on these goal areas, along with additional goals set by speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, mental health practitioners, and other professionals. In this role, you will help model and encourage respect, communication, and competency during student work tasks and socialization. Professionalism, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach are essential when working with students receiving special education services to ensure their safety and growth, and to help them understand and exhibit appropriate behaviors at school and in the community. As part of a team environment, collaboration, communication, and adaptability are key to the success of both the team and the students. The ESP role is performed in accordance with District policy and State/Federal laws.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teacher in providing instruction and managing student educational programming.
• Adapt instructional materials, equipment, or strategies, under the direction of the teacher or other professionals, to provide differentiated instruction, accomplish objectives, and meet student needs.
• Implement charting, data collection, paperwork preparation, and other monitoring techniques to ensure student success in behavioral, social, and educational areas.
• Assist licensed staff in the implementation of classroom management and behavioral interventions, creating an environment appropriate for learning.
• Utilize proactive behavior management techniques, reinforcing positive behaviors, utilizing de-escalation techniques, and redirecting inappropriate behaviors. May be required to use physical restraints.
• Assist students in their daily routines, including escorting students during arrival and departure, to special classes or therapy, providing supervision in school areas such as lunch, the playground or gym, and at school-related activities off site.
• Facilitate activities with a student or small group under the direction of the teacher, therapist, or other related services staff.
• Assist students with developing appropriate social skills and behavior through modeling, lessons, incentive plans, and charting.
• Help maintain safety of all students and the environment.
• Collaborate with related service personnel, teachers, fellow assistants, and other program/school staff to meet the needs of students and maintain a positive work environment.
• Participate in training/in-service as assigned, in accordance with the contract.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Willingness and ability to work with students receiving a high level of special education services.
• Must be highly qualified: Two years of study at an institution of higher education with the ability to provide transcripts showing 60 completed semester credits, an Associate’s (or higher) degree, OR a passing score on the ParaPro assessment.
• Previous experience working with children and/or individuals with special needs, with general knowledge of the practices, methods, and techniques used in teaching students. Other work history may be considered.
• Ability to work as an effective member of a team with staff, parents, and the community through building and maintaining collaborative and positive relationships.
• Willingness to complete training in Professional Crisis Management and implement restrictive procedures.
• Ability to obtain PCA certification from the Department of Human Services.
• Good oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills that are maintained during high-stress and crisis situations.
• Ability and desire to work with assistive technology.
• Basic computer and email skills.
• Proficient in core educational subject areas.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and up to adult-size body weight with a two-to-three-person lift.
• Ability to support a student’s full body weight up to adult size.
• Frequently requires standing, walking, lifting, bending, leaning, and repetitive motions.
• Occasionally requires sitting, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
• Ability to tolerate sudden jarring movement.
• Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and exposure to bloodborne pathogens; may require wearing personal protective equipment.
• Locations are generally moderately noisy.

About the District

Intermediate School District 917 provides special education, career & technical education (CTE), and alternative learning for nine member districts in the south metro. Our programs are located in more than 20 sites throughout the south metro, including Dakota County Technical College (DCTC), where our district office is located. We focus on being purposeful, personalized partners within our community as we model an innovative culture with diverse pathways serving students and families through equitable practices with highly trained staff.

The culture of ISD 917 is built on the core values of collaboration, empathy, innovation, stewardship, communication, integrity, personalization, equity, and diversity. Our programs are designed to provide high-quality, equitable, and specialized programming to meet the needs of all students. We serve students from birth through age 21 in a variety of special education programs located in multiple sites. Our CTE programs are all located at DCTC, and our alternative learning program (Dakota County Area Learning School, DCALS) has two locations: one co-located at DCTC in Rosemount and one in West St. Paul.

Mission: In partnership with member districts, Intermediate School District 917 provides high-quality, equitable, and specialized programming to meet the needs of all students.

Vision: Intermediate School District 917 models an innovative culture with diverse pathways serving students and families through equitable practices with highly trained staff.

Core Values: Collaboration, empathy, innovation, stewardship, communication, integrity, personalization, equity, and diversity.