Preschool Special Education Instructional Paraeducator-Needham Elementary

Durango School District is accepting applications for a Preschool Special Education Instructional Para educator at Needham Elementary School. 37.5 hrs/week, Monday‑Friday. Includes full insurance benefits, paid time off, and CO PERA retirement program. Begins ASAP.

Provide instructional support and assistance in meeting the educational needs of students, under the direction and immediate supervision of a licensed school professional. Services provided will vary based on Individual Education Plans (IEP) and requirements to provide services in the least restrictive environment.

• Support instructional programs and provide instructional assistance for students in individual, small, and large group settings (39%). Assist in facilitating the execution of Individualized Education Plans for students under the direction of licensed staff. Implement approved modifications and/or accommodations of curriculum. Supervise and facilitate students in classroom and various settings such as lunchroom, playground, to/from buses, cross walks, field trips, extra‑curricular activities, or on‑the‑job training.
• Enforce district policies regarding behaviors and discipline to help correct behavioral problems and assist in meeting student behavioral goals (10%). Facilitate crisis intervention and assist students with problem solving techniques and conflict resolution.
• Assist students in performing daily routines. May include getting to and from class and bus stops, using toilets, diapering, feeding, medical needs and personal hygiene. May include working with trach, feeding tubes, and catheterization. Assist with student mobility as directed by the IEP and student need (10%).
• Facilitate and encourage speech and language development. May use alternative language such as sign language or voice‑activated computer systems (10%).
• Implement specialized therapy programs; work directly with therapists on physical progress and Individualized Education Plans (IEP) (10%).
• Collaborate and communicate with other special and regular educators and administrators regarding academic and behavioral issues and observations. Provide suggestions, feedback and support to building staff, administrators, parents and outside agencies regarding effective strategies for facilitating learning (5%).
• Assist licensed staff by helping with data collection, updating records and documentation while helping maintain student files and class records. Maintain compliance with confidentiality laws including FERPA (5%).
• Assist with sanitizing, disinfecting, and cleaning the learning environment (5%).
• Attend and participate in district and building in‑service opportunities and committee work (2%).
• Engage in ongoing professional development (1%).
• Perform other duties as assigned (3%).

High school diploma or equivalent. Basic Skills Competence (Minimum 2 years of college, e.g., associate’s degree, or 48 semester hours of college coursework) OR Pass paraprofessional test (CDE and ESSA qualifications) prior to being hired.

Experience is preferred but may not be necessary for hiring.

• CPR and First Aid training preferred at hire; required within three months of hire.
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training required within three months of hire.
• Colorado driver's license and school district small vehicle operator permit may be required for some positions.
• Criminal Background Check required for hire.

• Communicate effectively in written and oral form using positive interpersonal skills.
• Consultation skills.
• Assist in developing and supporting behavior intervention plans, classroom management systems, and reinforcement systems.
• Use effective interventions for at‑risk learners.
• Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Knowledge of developmental, emotional, and behavioral disabilities.
• Experience in data collection and data analysis.
• Develop and provide training related to accessing community resources and behavioral intervention practices in all school settings.
• Non‑violent and physical intervention techniques.
• Use proper English grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
• Promote and follow Board of Education policies, Superintendent policies and building/department procedures.
• Grow and develop knowledge, skills, and attitude through professional development.
• Knowledge of first aid skills.

• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers.
• Operating knowledge of assistive technology for communication preferred.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as copier, fax machine, e‑mail, etc.

Entry level

Full‑time

Education and Training

Education Administration Programs