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

Dowling Elementary – 78.75 FTE (31.5 hrs/week, 41 weeks/year)

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, and self-advocacy skills. Helps students 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 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 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, leisure activities, and vocational training.
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal.
• Prepares the classroom environment and materials; 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.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records, and MPS information.

Class Designations

• Bilingual: Interpret and translate all information relating to educational programming for students with 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 students can be successful in resource settings; ensures Prevent, Teach, Reinforce behavior support plans are 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 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 related field; OR passing score of 460 or higher on the ParaPro Assessment.
• Two 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 required within sixty days of employment.
• First Aid/CPR/AED, de-escalation and crisis response training, and Special Education Orientation required within one year 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 individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Communicating effectively in verbal and written forms.

Physical Demands

• 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.

Pay

$27.17–$30.75 per hour

Benefits

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