Special Education Paraeducator

About the Employer

Paraeducator L: SPED (SCOTT ES) - Colorado Springs School District 11

Position Summary

This position provides instructional and behavioral support to students under the direction of a certified teacher, working with individuals and small groups to reinforce learning and develop academic, communication, and functional skills. The role implements accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies aligned with students' individual education plans (IEPs), while monitoring, documenting, and reporting student progress and behavior in compliance with established requirements, including Medicaid documentation as applicable.

Essential Job Functions

Provide Instructional and Behavioral Support

Provide instructional and behavioral support to students under the direction of a certified teacher, working with individuals and small groups to reinforce learning and develop academic, communication, and functional skills.

Implement Accommodations and Modifications

Implement accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies aligned with students' individual education plans (IEPs).

Monitor Student Progress and Behavior

Monitor, document, and report student progress and behavior; maintain accurate records aligned with IEP goals and compliance requirements, including Medicaid documentation as applicable.

Support Classroom Operations

Support classroom operations by preparing instructional materials, assisting with assessments, recording attendance, and completing required paperwork related to student services.

Assist Students with Daily Routines

Assist students with daily routines, including support for independence, transitions, and functional skill development.

Promote a Positive Learning Environment

Promote a positive, structured learning environment by reinforcing behavior plans, social-emotional skills, and appropriate student behavior.

Supervise Students Across Settings

Supervise and support students across settings, including classroom, playground, lunchroom, field trips, and other school activities, with attention to individual needs.

Perform Clerical and Organizational Tasks

Perform clerical and organizational tasks, including data entry, filing, copying, laminating, inventory management, and ordering supplies.

Assist with Classroom Logistics

Assist with classroom logistics and events, including transitions, drills, and specialized programming needs.

Utilize Standard Office and Classroom Technology

Utilize standard office and classroom technology to support instructional, behavioral, and documentation requirements.

Perform Other Duties as Assigned

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of

Instructional and Behavioral Support Practices

Instructional and behavioral support practices in special education settings

Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Accommodations

Individual education plans (IEPs), accommodations, and modifications

Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Developmental Disabilities

Autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities

Behavior Intervention Strategies and De-escalation Techniques

Behavior intervention strategies and de-escalation techniques

Data Collection, Progress Monitoring, and Compliance Requirements

Data collection, progress monitoring, and compliance requirements (including Medicaid documentation)

Classroom Routines and School Procedures

Classroom routines, school procedures, and assistive/educational technology

Skills in

Supporting Individualized Instruction

Supporting individualized and small group instruction aligned to IEP goals

Implementing Behavior Plans

Implementing behavior plans and supporting social-emotional development

Observing, Documenting, and Reporting Student Progress

Observing, documenting, and reporting student progress and behavior

De-escalating Challenging Situations

De-escalating challenging situations and maintaining a safe environment

Collaborating with Teachers and Teams

Collaborating with teachers, specialists, and multidisciplinary teams

Organizing Materials and Maintaining Structured Environments

Organizing materials and maintaining structured, supportive environments

Performing Clerical and Documentation Tasks Accurately

Performing clerical and documentation tasks accurately

Ability to

Work Effectively with Students

Work effectively with students with disabilities, including behavioral and communication needs

Implement IEPs and Behavior Plans

Implement IEPs and behavior plans with fidelity

Assist with Daily Living Skills

Assist with daily living skills and student routines as needed

Remain Calm in High-Stress Situations

Remain calm and respond effectively in high-stress or crisis situations

Maintain Confidentiality and Follow Compliance Requirements

Maintain strict confidentiality and follow compliance requirements

Communicate Effectively with Staff and Families

Communicate effectively with staff, students, and families

Demonstrate Patience, Flexibility, and Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrate patience, flexibility, and strong interpersonal skills

Work Collaboratively and Independently

Work collaboratively and independently across settings

Qualifications

Required

High school diploma or equivalent Title 1 schools only: completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education; or obtained an associate's or higher degree; or demonstrated rigorous standard of quality through a formal state or local academic assessment (e.g., ACT-WorkKeys and ETS-Parapro)

Preferred

Associate's degree or higher in education or related field Experience working with children with disabilities or in a related setting Bilingual skills relevant to district population

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The position requires frequent movement throughout the workday, including alternating between sitting, standing, and walking. Physical requirements include lifting up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis and up to 10 pounds frequently.

Salary Setting

Employment, assignment, and salary placement is in accordance with job description requirements. A work history is required to demonstrate job title, job duties, and time worked in the position. Grade placement for ESP positions is determined by the salary schedule by job title resource. Reference the linked 'How Your Compensation is Determined' for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

School District 11 is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to disability, need for special education services (whether actual or perceived), race, creed, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, genetic information, or protected activity in its programs and activities.

Nondiscrimination Compliance

The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Ombudservices has been designated to coordinate compliance with: Equal Pay Act of 1963, Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Title IX - Education Amendments Act of 1972, Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Board Policies

The following board policies address nondiscrimination in District 11: AC, AC-R, GBA, GBAA, JBB, JBB-R