SpEd Inst Para Needham Elementary School

About the role

Provide instructional support and assistance in meeting the educational needs of students, under the direction and immediate supervision of a licensed school professional. Services provided will vary based on Individual Education Plans (IEP) and requirements to provide services in the least restrictive environment.

Responsibilities

• Support instructional programs and provide instructional assistance for students in individual, small, and large group settings.
• Assist in facilitating the execution of Individualized Education Plans for students under the direction of licensed staff.
• Implement approved modifications and/or accommodations of curriculum.
• Supervise and facilitate students in the classroom and a variety of settings that may include the lunchroom, playground, to/from buses, cross walks, field trips, extra-curricular activities, or on-the-job training.
• Enforce district policies regarding behaviors and discipline to help correct behavioral problems and assist in meeting student behavioral goals.
• Facilitate crisis intervention and assist students with problem solving techniques and conflict resolution.
• Assist students in performing daily routines, which may include getting to and from class and bus stops, using toilets, diapering, feeding, medical needs and personal hygiene.
• Assist with student mobility as directed by the IEP and student need.
• Facilitate and encourage speech and language development; may use alternative language such as sign language or voice activated computer systems.
• Implement specialized therapy programs; work directly with therapists on physical progress and Individualized Education Plans (IEP).
• Assist with documenting when a student meets with therapist.
• Collaborate and communicate with other special and regular educators and administrators with regard to academic and behavioral issues and observations.
• Provide suggestions, feedback and support to building staff, administrators, parents and outside agencies regarding effective strategies for facilitating learning.
• Assist the licensed staff by helping with data collection, updating records and documentation while helping maintain student files and class records.
• Maintain compliance with confidentiality laws including Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Assist with sanitizing, disinfecting, and cleaning the learning environment.
• Attend and participate in district and building in-service opportunities and committee work.
• Engage in ongoing professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and training

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic Skills Competence: Minimum 2 years of college (e.g. associates degree, or 48 semester hours of college coursework) OR pass paraprofessional test (CDE and ESSA qualifications) prior to being hired.

Certificates, licenses, & registrations

• CPR and First Aid training preferred at hire; required within three months of hire.
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training required within three months of hire.
• Colorado driver’s license and school district small vehicle operator permit may be required for some positions.
• Criminal Background Check required for hire.

Skills and abilities

• Communicate effectively in written and oral form using positive interpersonal skills.
• Consultation skills.
• Ability to assist in developing and support the behavior intervention plans, classroom management systems, and reinforcement systems.
• Ability to use effective interventions for at-risk learners.
• Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Knowledge of developmental, emotional, and behavioral disabilities.
• Experience in data collection and data analysis.
• Ability to develop and provide training related to accessing community resources and behavioral intervention practices in all school settings.
• Non-violent and physical intervention techniques.
• Ability to use proper English grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
• Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, Superintendent policies and building/department procedures.
• Ability to grow and develop knowledge, skills, and attitude through professional development.
• Knowledge of first aid skills.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers.
• Operating knowledge of assistive technology for communication preferred.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as copier, fax machine, E-mail, etc.

Employee workforce housing available in the 2026/2027 school year. For the 26/27 SY, this position includes an $1800 one-time bonus for staff newly hired to the school district (pro-rated for late start).