Special Education Assistant [DCD] - (2026-2027) Dowling Elementary

Dowling Elementary – 78.75 FTE, 41 weeks (full-time equivalency)

About the role

Responsible for providing a variety of services to assist students with moderate to severe disabilities in a learning environment. Supports MPS staff to develop and implement individualized lessons and activities, promotes student independence, academic and social inclusion, and self-advocacy skills. Helps students meet therapy and education goals.

Responsibilities

• Provides support services to children with disabilities in compliance with MPS policies and Standards of Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants.
• Assists staff to facilitate educational functions and maintain a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment in the Least Restrictive Environment.
• Applies Prevent, Teach, Reinforce Behavior Intervention Plans, reinforces positive behavior, and provides individual instruction.
• Monitors student activities, promotes respect, explains social norms, de-escalates confrontations, and enforces District policies.
• Records data for academic and behavioral assessments; maintains files and progress records for IEP, FBA, and SAIL programs.
• Assists with daily hygiene, personal and health-related care as directed by licensed staff.
• Promotes student independence in community, recreational, school, and vocational activities.
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and concerns to supervisors.
• Prepares classroom materials and assists with students in classrooms, special projects, and after-school programs.
• Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answering questions and explaining school rules.
• Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and MPS information.

Class Designations

• Bilingual: Interpret and translate educational programming for students with Special Education and English Language Learner needs. Requires fluency in English and a second language (Amharic, Cambodian, Hmong, Liberian, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tibetan, or Vietnamese) and a bicultural background.
• Intervention SEA: Supports students in resource settings, ensuring behavior support plans are implemented with fidelity. Personal transportation required.
• SEA Cadre: Serves as a reserve/substitute Special Education Assistant, assigned on an emergency basis across disability areas. Personal transportation required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One of the following:
  • 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences, or related field.
  • Passing score of 460 or higher on the ParaPro Assessment.
  • Two years of paid experience working with children.
  • Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience as determined by Human Resources.
• Knowledge of classroom policies, methods for assisting students with disabilities, and community resources.
• Skills in monitoring student behavior, assisting special needs students, maintaining composure under stress, and effective communication.
• Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required.
• Special Education Assistant Onboarding Training required within 60 days of employment.
• First Aid/CPR/AED, de-escalation, crisis response training, and Special Education Orientation required within one year of employment.

Physical Demands

• Work is performed in a classroom environment with moderate physical requirements.
• Frequently lifts up to 50 pounds; occasionally lifts heavier materials with assistance.
• Requires walking or standing for significant periods and working with special needs children.
• Eligibility contingent upon passing a required pre-placement exam.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• HSA & FSA
• Retirement plan

Pay

$27.17–$30.75 per hour