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

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 individualization 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;
• Performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies, quality standards, and the Standards of Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants;
• Works with students to improve personal skills and reinforce classroom learning;
• Assists students in learning processes; applies Prevent, Teach, Reinforce Behavior Intervention Plans, reinforces positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages opportunities for peer socialization;
• 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);
• Maintains the classroom environment and material to be utilized by students; provides assistance with students in classrooms, special projects, and after-school programs;
• 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;
• Communicates effectively in verbal and written forms;
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED;
• Monitors completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences or educational area related to position assignment;
• Passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment;
• Two (2) years of paid experience working with children;
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Qualifications

• Education, Training And Experience Guidelines: High School Diploma/GED; Monitors completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences or educational area related to position assignment; Passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment; Two (2) years of paid experience working with children; Equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

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.
• Safety rules and regulations.

Benefits

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

Pay

$27.17-$30.75

Schedule

31.5 hrs/week; 41 weeks