Educational Assistant

Start Date: August 2026

Location: Columbia Heights Elementary Academy

Reports to: Principal / Director of Special Education

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Updated: December 2025

Special Education Educational Assistants (Paraprofessionals) are committed members of a collaborative school team that is closing the opportunity gap for students. A Prodeo Academy Special Education Educational Assistant supports students with disabilities academically, behaviorally, and functionally under the direction of licensed staff, while contributing to a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environment for students and families.

Educational Assistants provide support to individual students or small groups across a variety of instructional settings and may assist with instructional activities, behavior support, personal care, data collection, and medical needs as required. This role is ideal for someone who is energized by challenging work, comfortable with responsibility, open to feedback and coaching, highly collaborative, demonstrates strong communication skills, and is interested in growing within the field of education.

Prodeo Academy is a network of public charter schools serving the Twin Cities. Prodeo Academy is a meaningful education solution that is closing the opportunity gap through data-driven instruction in a culture grounded in five core values:
Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Development, and Engagement
. Shared expectations around these values enhance the opportunity for scholars to reach their full potential. We seek team members who are committed to helping students access greater opportunities, achieve future success, and contribute positively to their communities.

The following duties represent the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Support instruction for individual students or small groups under the direction of a licensed teacher or special education staff member.
• Implement instructional activities, accommodations, and modifications as outlined in written lesson plans, schedules, IEPs, and behavior plans.
• Support students across a variety of instructional settings, which may include general education classrooms, resource rooms, and center-based or specialized classroom settings.
• Reinforce learning objectives and support student engagement during lessons and activities.
• Assist with accommodations and supports during classroom-based and school wide assessments.

• Support ongoing data collection and tracking related to student academic progress, behavior, attendance, and goal progress as directed by licensed staff.
• Accurately record observations and data using required tools, forms, or digital systems.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling student records and information.
• Share relevant data and observations with supervising staff in a timely manner.

• Support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs using school wide behavior systems and approved intervention strategies.
• Follow written behavior plans, safety plans, and crisis response protocols with fidelity.
• Help maintain a safe, predictable, and respectful learning environment.
• Ensure safety and appropriate supervision of students at all times.
• Assist with crisis intervention or student safety procedures when trained and required.

• Provide assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as required, which may include toileting, feeding, hygiene, mobility, and other personal care tasks.
• Demonstrate willingness to obtain and maintain Personal Care Assistant (PCA) certification, as required by student needs and program expectations.
• Support students with medical needs in accordance with written care plans and training provided by the school or licensed medical professionals (e.g., seizure response, feeding protocols, mobility equipment).
• Maintain student dignity, privacy, and confidentiality at all times.

• Work collaboratively…