INTEGRATED CLASSROOM PARA EDUCATOR 6.5 HRS

Internal applicants: open 06/08/2026 through 06/12/2026 at 4 PM. External applicants: open until filled if no internal applicants are selected.

Pay

New hires: $16.39/hr for General Education and $16.00/hr plus $4.00 differential pay for Special Education. Current employees in the bargaining unit: refer to the salary schedule established by the applicable bargaining group.

This position is a split assignment: 3.00 hours General Education ($16.39/hr) and 3.50 hours Special Education ($16.00 + $4.00).

Responsibilities

• Provide services for special education students as needed in the general education or Special Education setting.
• Work with students exhibiting moderate to severe behavior disabilities and learning difficulties, including students diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Accept direction from general and special education teachers as well as support staff.
• Assist with children managing behavior and physical disabilities.
• Assist with daily activities and routine care of the students.
• Work collaboratively with teacher in using developmentally appropriate practices.
• Assist teacher in monitoring students' progress by keeping necessary records and giving feedback as requested.
• Follow teacher direction for instruction.
• Use positive reinforcement techniques and appropriate guidance techniques to assist in managing development behavior throughout the school routine, including transition times, activities, redirection, and playground assistance.
• Help children build internal control.
• Engage in on-going staff development.
• Model flexibility in duties as the needs of students change.
• Assist in arrival and departure of students.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs. and must be willing to complete diapering.
• Model enthusiasm and patience.
• Ability to work some flexible hours to meet operational needs of early learning center.
• Possible interaction with a therapy dog on school premises during the school day.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of CDA Certificate OR AA Degree or higher in Early Childhood field (QPPS/Head Start Requirements) OR successfully complete the Iowa Paraprofessional classes and obtain the Iowa Paraprofessional Certificate within two years of hire date. If associate degree or higher is in related field, must be willing to complete CDA requirements or equivalent within a timeframe determined at hire.
• Must pass the Medicaid Fraud background check prior to hire, successfully applying, and/or transferring to a special education position. This check is run several times a year; if your name appears on the Medicaid Fraud listing, you may be removed from your current position.
• Must complete the required DHS Training hours each year.
• Must complete Infant/Child/Adult CPR and First Aid within 6 months of hire date and remain current.
• Must complete Universal Precaution and Exposure training prior to start date and remain current.
• Must meet NAEYC, QPPS, DHS, and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Must complete or show proof of DHS Essentials training within 90 days of hire.
• Must hold a Mandatory Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporter Certificate prior to start date and remain current.
• Per DHS Guidelines, this position requires a background check, fingerprinting, and completed physical every two years.
• Must meet NAEYC requirement or willing to complete NAEYC requirements in a timeframe determined at hire.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven record of building rapport with culturally diverse students and their families.
• Good attendance and punctuality.
• Positive attitude toward special needs children.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teacher and staff.
• Good communication and organizational skills.
• Patient, compassionate, and sensitive individual willing to work with a diverse population.
• Recognition of the need for confidentiality with respect to children's and parents' right to privacy.
• Friendly and caring.
• Willing to support and implement Davenport's multi-tiered system of supports for both behavior and academics.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to withstand weather for outside activities.
• Must be able to lift, pull, and push 50 lbs.
• Must be able to sit and kneel on the floor.