Special Education Assistant (Program) [ASD] - (2026-2027) Pratt Elementary

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, provides a variety of services to assist students with special needs in a learning environment; assists MPS staff to develop and implement appropriate individualization lessons and activities for students with disabilities; helps students to meet their therapy and education goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities and Assist MPS staff to facilitate educational functions and other services that maintains a safe and productive learning environment, sensitive to the needs and legal rights of Special Education students;
• Work with students to improve personal skills and reinforce classroom learning;
• Monitor student activities, promote respect, explain social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalate personal confrontations;
• Maintain 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);
• Monitor work, correct papers and transition students for medications, meals, buses and classes;
• Attend to and provide for students' daily hygiene, personal and health related cares, as directed by licensed staff. Assist students in community, recreational, school and vocational training. Provide assistance to students in classrooms and after-school programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Completion of 90 quarter/60 semester college credits or higher
• OR A passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment AND either a high school diploma or a GED certificate
• Two years of experience working with children. Additional education or training may substitute for experience, at the discretion of Human Resources. Related experience may also be considered, at the discretion of Human Resources.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree in in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences or educational area related to position assignment
• Experience in working with individuals with disabilities

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• First Aid/CPR/AED, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training, and Special Education Orientation is required within one year.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• A job in this category 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.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready. Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body.