PRESCHOOL INTEGRATED CLASSROOM PARA EDUCATOR 6.5 HRS (3 OPENINGS)

Internal applicants: open 06/05/2026 through 06/11/2026 at 4 PM. External applicants: open until filled if no internal applicants are hired.

Pay

New hires: $16.39/hr for General Education and $16.00/hr 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). The Special Education portion qualifies for the $4.00 Special Education Differential pay as outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement between DCSD and the Davenport Association of Para Educators.

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.
• Meet NAEYC, QPPS, DHS, and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Complete or show proof of DHS Essentials training within 90 days of hire.
• Possess strong inter-personal skills with a proven record of building rapport with culturally diverse students and their families to ensure that each child reaches his/her full potential.
• Good attendance and punctuality are required to ensure duties and responsibilities are performed successfully.
• Support and implement Davenport's multi-tiered system of supports for both behavior and academics.
• Work in an environment where a therapy dog may be present on school premises during the school day.
• Hold a Mandatory Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporter Certificate prior to start date and remain current.
• Perform 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 a related field, must be willing to complete CDA requirements or equivalent within a timeframe determined at hire.
• All employees working with/for Special Education students will be required to 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 at any time, you will be notified and 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.
• Per DHS Guidelines, this position requires a background check, fingerprinting, and a completed Physical every two years.
• Must meet NAEYC requirement or be willing to complete NAEYC requirements in a timeframe determined at hire.

Qualifications

• 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 demeanor.

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.