Job Summary

The Special Education Paraprofessional supports the participation, learning, and care of preschool students in the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program. This role involves working closely with the classroom teacher and special education team to implement individualized education plans (IEPs), provide academic and behavioral support, and ensure the student’s health, safety, and well-being.

Expected Schedule: Monday: 12pm-3pm; Tuesday-Thursday: 8am-3pm; Friday: 12pm-3pm

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provide direct support to a preschool student with special needs during morning preschool sessions.
Assist in the implementation of the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) under the direction of licensed staff.
Support the student in accessing classroom activities, routines, and transitions.
Provide personal care as needed, which may include:
- Assistance with toileting and hygiene
- Feeding support
- Mobility assistance (e.g., walking, transferring, positioning)
- Administration of medications and monitoring of medical needs as directed by licensed staff/nurse
Monitor the student’s health and safety at all times, including response to medical emergencies if necessary.
Use positive behavior strategies to support social, emotional, and behavioral growth.
Collect and document data on student performance, behavior, and progress as directed.
Maintain confidentiality in all matters related to students and families.
Collaborate and communicate effectively with the classroom teacher, ECSE team, and related service providers.
Participate in training and professional development opportunities relevant to the position.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervising staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of child growth and development, including developmentally appropriate practices for preschool and school-age children.
Knowledge of positive behavior guidance and classroom management techniques.
Knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation practices applicable to early childhood and school-age care settings.
Basic understanding of social-emotional learning and inclusive practices for children of varying abilities and backgrounds.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with children, families, and coworkers.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to supervise children while maintaining a positive, engaging environment.
Organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
Ability to plan and facilitate age-appropriate activities and routines.
Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to observe children's behavior and respond calmly and appropriately.
Basic computer skills, including email, attendance systems, and other district software.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with children, families, staff, and community members.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also demonstrating initiative and independence.
Ability to adapt to changing schedules, routines, and program needs.
Ability to create a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment for all children and families.
Ability to maintain patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and implement program policies consistently.
Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to safety concerns and emergencies.
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 40 pounds, and actively participating in indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions.

Education/Certification Requirements

Required:

High school diploma or equivalent
First aid and CPR (offered by district upon hire)
CPI training (offered by district upon hire)
PCA trained (offered by district upon hire)
Must successfully complete a Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) background study prior to employment.

Preferred:

Associate's degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Recreation, Human Services, or a related field.
Previous experience working with preschool, school-age care, or Community Education program.
Knowledge of Minnesota special education regulations.
Experience supporting children with diverse learning, behavioral, developmental, or physical needs.
Experience implementing social-emotional learning and positive behavior support strategies.
Demonstrated commitment to creating equitable, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work requires close vision and distance vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions, exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment and Exposure to bodily fluids; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

This position will be filled on the basis of the experience, competency, and qualifications of the applicant and the needs of the District. Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Public Schools complies with state and federal fair employment regulations.

Please contact Nicci Malecha, Activities & Community Education Director, nmalecha@isd2835.org with questions.

ECSE Paraprofessional