Special Education Assistant (Program) [ASD] - (2026-2027) Ella Baker

About the Role

Responsible for providing a variety of services to assist students with special needs in a learning environment. Assists MPS staff to develop and implement appropriate individualized lessons and activities for students with disabilities. Promotes student independence, academic and social inclusion, as well as self-advocacy skills. Helps students to meet their therapy and education goals.

Responsibilities

• Provides support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities enrolled in MPS, performing duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies and quality standards.
• Assists MPS staff to facilitate educational functions and other services to maintain a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment in the Least Restrictive Environment possible, sensitive to individual needs and legal rights of Special Education students.
• Assists students in learning processes; applies Prevent, Teach, Reinforce Behavior Intervention Plans, reinforces positive behavior, provides individual instruction, and encourages opportunities for peer socialization.
• Monitors student activities, promotes respect, explains social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalates personal confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules of conduct.
• Monitors assigned students and records data for academic and behavioral assessments; maintains files and keeps records of student progress and activities.
• Maintains behavior documentation, written observations, and anecdotal information files for Support and Advocacy for Independent Living Program (SAIL), Individualized Education Program (IEP), and Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA).
• Monitors work, corrects papers, and transitions students for medications, meals, buses, and classes.
• Attends to and provides for students’ daily hygiene, personal, and health-related cares, as directed by licensed staff.
• Promotes student independence in community, recreational, school, and leisure activities, and vocational training.
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal.
• Prepares the classroom environment and materials to be utilized by students; provides assistance with students in classrooms, special projects, and after-school programs.
• Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answers questions, and explains school rules.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records, and MPS information.

Class Designations

• Bilingual: Interpret and translate all information relating to the educational programming for students who have both Special Education and English Language Learner needs. Requires oral and written fluency in English and a second language and bicultural background. Work in conjunction with Special Education and regular education teachers.
  • Special Education – Amharic
  • Special Education – Cambodian
  • Special Education – Hmong
  • Special Education – Liberian
  • Special Education – Oromo
  • Special Education – Somali
  • Special Education – Spanish
  • Special Education – Tibetan
  • Special Education – Vietnamese
• Intervention SEA: Provides support in the least restrictive environment so that students can be successful in resource settings; ensures that Prevent, Teach, Reinforce behavior support plans are being implemented with fidelity for students in special education resource settings. Personal transportation is required as position may move from site to site.
• SEA Cadre: Serve as a reserve/substitute Special Education Assistant. Employees in this unique group will be assigned on an emergency basis to support schools/programs in high need situations across disability areas. Personal transportation is required as position may move from site to site.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences, or an educational area related to position assignment; OR passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment.
• Two (2) years of paid experience working with children; OR equivalent combination of education, training, and experience as determined by Human Resources.
• Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required.
• Special Education Assistant Onboarding Training is required within sixty (60) days of date of employment.
• First Aid/CPR/AED, de-escalation and crisis response training, and Special Education Orientation is required within one (1) year of date of employment based on assignment.

Skills

• Knowledge of classroom policies, procedures, and processes.
• Methods and techniques to assist students in reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs.
• Local community resources and regional community services programs.
• Basic principles of record keeping and records management.
• Computers utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills.
• Assisting children and special needs students and assessing educational needs.
• Maintaining composure and working effectively under classroom conditions.
• Reacting appropriately to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems.
• Communicating effectively with children.
• Following verbal and written instructions.
• Working collaboratively with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Communicating effectively in verbal and written forms.

Benefits

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

Pay

Salary Range: $27.17 - $30.75 per hour

Schedule

• 78.75 FTE (33.7 hours/week)
• 41 weeks per year

Physical Demands and Working Environment

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed in a classroom environment, with moderate physical requirements.
• Requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently.
• May require walking or standing to a significant degree and working with special needs children.
• Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Eligibility for position is based on passing the required pre-placement exam.