Special Education Assistant (Program) (DCD-SP) - (2026-2027) Barton

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.

Essential Functions

• 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;
• Affords assistance in learning processes; applies Prevent, Teach, Reinforce Behavior Intervention Plans, reinforces positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages opportunities for peer socialization;
• Maintains student activities, promotes respect, explains social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalates personal confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules of conduct;
• 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);
• 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 material 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.

Qualifications

• 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;
• 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;
• Retailer plan.

Pay

Salary Range: 27.17-30.75

Schedule

31.75 hrs/week; 41 weeks