Lowell Elementary - Special Education Assistant 1-1 (Distinct) - 1.0 FTE

This position is assigned to a one-to-one role in the Distinct service pathway within the Special Education Department. For more details, visit the SPS Special Education Department website.

About the role

The Special Education Assistant/ISE-203 supports the supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students in regular or self-contained classrooms. Responsibilities include implementing instructional plans, monitoring student behavior, providing information to school personnel, and attending IEP meetings. Duties vary based on program needs (e.g., generalist, severe/profound, behavior disorder, hearing impaired, autism).

Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and materials under teacher direction to ensure all special education students can participate.
• Administers tests, homework, and other materials to assist in evaluating student progress and organizing individual needs.
• Provides first aid and medical assistance as required for injured or medically fragile children.
• Assists students with personal care needs (e.g., toileting, changing diapers, tube feeding, supporting menstruating students) to help them function in the school environment.
• Attends meetings and in-service training (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures) to stay informed about job functions.
• Confers regularly with special education and mainstream teachers to evaluate student progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Communicates with teachers and parents (via calls, emails, meetings, or progress notebooks) about student progress as outlined in IEPs.
• Directs and implements behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders to ensure safety and consistency.
• Instructs students individually or in groups (e.g., academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills) to reinforce instructional objectives and remediate deficiencies per IEP goals.
• Maintains instructional materials and student records (e.g., adapting materials, grading papers, tracking attendance) to ensure availability and reliability.
• Monitors students in various school environments (e.g., restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, buses, cafeteria) to maintain safety and a positive learning environment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the work unit.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus one of the following:
  • A qualifying score on the Education Testing Service (ETS) paraeducator assessment; or
  • An associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or
  • 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher; or
  • Completion of a paraeducator apprenticeship registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License or equivalent mobility.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint Background Clearance.
• Completion of required training (e.g., Secure Training, CPR, First Aid).

Skills

• Knowledge of:
  • Instructional procedures and practices.
  • Age-appropriate student activities.
  • Safety practices and conflict resolution.
  • Stages of child development and behavior.
• Ability to:
  • Perform basic math (fractions, percents, ratios) and follow multi-step instructions.
  • Adapt to changing work priorities and communicate with diverse groups.
  • Maintain confidentiality and work as part of a team.
  • Use standard office equipment and software applications.
  • Keyboard and learn to use personal computers; basic signing may be required.
• Physical demands:
  • Seldom lifting up to 50 pounds (with or without assistance).
  • Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity.
  • Supporting medically fragile children and assisting with physical needs (e.g., toileting, feeding).
  • 45% sitting, 25% walking, and 30% standing during a 7-hour workday.

Benefits

Eligibility for benefits is determined by working 630+ hours during the school year (September 1–August 31). Benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).

Pay

Refer to the salary schedule for this role and similar positions.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the building Principal if assigned through staffing formulas. If based centrally, reports to an assigned Special Education Supervisor.