Buchanan Community Schools:
Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional

Buchanan Community Schools is welcoming applicants for a Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional at Ottawa Elementary. The qualified applicant will assist assigned students per directives from the special and general education teachers in the areas of self-care skills including toileting needs, medical/health needs, prescribed behavioral management program providing redirection for task attention and work completion, remedial instructional support, clerical organizational needs, housekeeping duties, student supervision where assigned and when necessary, and the mobility needs of the students as needed. This position is contingent upon student enrollment in the classroom. There are 3 positions available.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Assists in small group student instruction; tutors students at teacher’s request; give tutorial/review assistance to student for review and reinforcement of skills
Non-academic assistance of student (art, writing, listening, discipline, mobility, self-care skills)
Help student locate materials, equipment and teach their correct usage
Home contacts if necessary to arrange appointments, check absences, etc. when requested
Mobility and self-care of the students; diapering, toilet training, dressing, feeding as needed; lifting, positioning and restraining; catheterizing, cleaning/monitoring respiratory equipment, trachs, etc. of students as directed; assists students on field trips; student orientation; loads/unloads wheelchair bound students on bus; participates in physical activities which are part of the students basic program
Assists teacher in maintaining discipline and other functions; demonstrates understanding of student’s problems; follows through with prescribed behavioral management programs; restrains student if needed for own safety, other student safety and safety of adults; implements IEP goals under the direction of the classroom teacher; attends Open House, conferences, when requested
Assists with set up of classroom and prepares materials for specialized instructional units
Handles attendance reports and related clerical functions with the teacher
Assists in assembling/hanging materials on bulletin boards and keeping displays current
Operates standard school equipment such as a laminator, copier, computer, etc.
Maintains regular, reliable and punctual attendance
Any other duties or responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the administration
The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout their employment in the District

Supervisory Responsibilities: supervises students.

Qualification Requirements: to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent; two years previous work experience preferred
Language Skills: read and interpret documents such as policies, regulations, and articles; write correspondence; speak effectively before groups of stakeholders; ability to work with At-Risk students; and listen and respond to inquiries
Mathematical Skills: calculate figures and amounts; and apply math concepts to practical situations
Reasoning Skills: solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables; use logic and reasoning to interpret instructions whether written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
Other Skills: technologically literate using Chromebook computers and Google applications; able to effectively take direction, as well as, work independently and as a member of a team; ability to handle complex and stressful issues or situations with sound judgment, common sense, and a calm demeanor; punctual and rarely absent work habits; ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies, experience working with young children, especially those with special needs/behavioral issues, patience, a nurturing demeanor, and enjoys working with children

Physical Demands: the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, talk and hear; required to bend at the neck more than the average person; must have the ability to lift up to 40 lbs and push up to 90 lbs. The employee is directly responsible for safety, well-being, or the work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

Work Environment: the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. Duties are performed indoors and occasionally outdoors. The employee is required to meet deadlines with severe time constraints, interact with stakeholders, and work regular hours.

Position Details:

Title: Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional – Ottawa Elementary School
Reports to: Stacey Denison, Ottawa Elementary Principal
Calendar: 2024-2025 School Year (4 days/week Mon - Thursday, plus occasional Fridays) FTE: .8
Start Date: ASAP
Compensation: According to union contract (compensation beginning at $14.56), single benefit package offered
Hours: 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Internal Posting Date: April 11, 2025
External Posting Date: April 18, 2025 or sooner per Union President
Application deadline: until filled

Application and supporting materials should be submitted using
Buchanan Community Schools’ online employment link:
http://www.buchananschools.com/employment/

Questions about the position or the district can be sent to Mrs. Stacey Denison at: sdenison@buchananschools.com

BUCHANAN BOARD OF EDUCATION
STATEMENT OF ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW

Buchanan Community Schools complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and with all requirements and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education. It is the policy of the Board of Education that no person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, gender/sex, height, weight, marital status, or disability shall be subjected to discrimination in any program, service, or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Compliance Officers for Affirmative Action and review of Federal requirements are as follows: Section 504 and ADA; Karin Falkenstein (Special Education Supervisor, 695-8442), Title IX and Title VI; Brian Pruett (Buchanan High School Principal, 695-8404) and Shelby Beasley (Buchanan Middle School Principal, 695-8406).