Anticipated Start Day: August 2026

Schedule: 179-day contract per school calendar

Hours per Day: 7 hours

Salary: Placement per the MSEA contract for paras, based on education and experience.

Other Compensation: Mileage reimbursement based on current IRS standard business mileage rate for staff traveling on a regular basis.

Benefits: As outlined on MAWSECO's Summary of Benefits.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Special Education Paraprofessional works with students assigned to the special education program or service, under the direction of the licensed staff and performs duties to support the program in general. This includes, but is not limited to providing data-driven instructional support, personal care and behavioral assistance to students with special needs. Depending on student needs, responsibilities and duties may involve assisting and guiding students daily living skills, implementing behavior plans and /or monitoring and enforcing appropriate skills in accordance with instructional lesson plans and student Individualized Education Plans (IEP).

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school degree, GED, or equivalent experience

Additional Requirement: Holds one of the following to meet the Highly Qualified Paraprofessional requirement:

At least two years of college credits (usually 60 credits in Minnesota)
An AA, AS, AAS (or higher) degree
Obtain the PELSB Paraprofessional Credential
Passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment
Passing score of 65% (or higher) for the Instructional Support test and 70% (or higher) for the Knowledge and Application test on the Minnesota Service Cooperatives ParaEducator Proctored Test
*MAWSECO offers prospective candidates access to online training materials and would proctor the test*

ABOUT MAWSECO

MAWSECO is an agency of seven-member school districts (Annandale, Dassel-Cokato, Delano, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted, Litchfield, Maple Lake, and Rockford) that have joined together to provide quality services in the area of special education. We operate eight specialized educational programs, providing Federal Setting IV programming and support for students in residential care. Our mission is to provide quality special education leadership, services, and support that always meets or exceeds the expectations of those we serve. At MAWSECO, we believe each person has intrinsic value and the capacity to contribute to society.

ABOUT VILLAGE RANCH ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM

Village Ranch Alternative Program (VRAP) is an educational program located on the grounds of Village Ranch, Inc., a residential facility for males, licensed by the Department of Corrections. The educational program serves students from the residence as well as day students living in local communities. Students attending VRAP range from 12-18 years of age. Some of the students have pre-identified disabilities in the area of Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD) or Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), or have other learning difficulties. School staff are experienced, and trained to educate and nurture students with these unique needs. Students who qualify for special education services have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) developed by the student’s team.

Meeker and Wright Special Education Cooperative (MAWSECO), ISD #938, serves as the fiscal agent and provides staff supervision, staff development and educational support. Students may be offered mainstream opportunities through the Dassel-Cokato School District #466, or their local school district, on an individual needs basis as identified by the student’s team. Opportunities might vary from one block/hour to full-day participation.

POSITION QUESTIONS

For specific inquiries regarding this role, please contact: Laura Holmquist, Program Administrator by phone (320) 406-6022 or email lholmquist@mawseco.k12.mn.us

MAWSECO is an equal opportunity employer.