Special Education Assistant ( Program ASD Whittier

Job Title: Special Education Assistant (Program) [ASD] (2026‑2027), Whittier

Organization: Whittier Elementary ), Whittier (0289)

Salary Range: $27.17 - $30.75

Benefits: Dental, Health, Vision insurance, Paid time off, HSA & FSA, Retirement plan

Under general supervision, this position provides a range of services to assist students with special needs in a learning environment. The assistant supports MPS staff in developing and implementing individualized lessons and activities for students with disabilities and helps students achieve their therapy and education goals.

• Provide support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities and assist MPS staff to facilitate educational functions and other services that maintain a safe and productive learning environment.
• Help students to improve personal skills and reinforce classroom learning through positive behavior reinforcement, individual instruction, socialization, and communication.
• Monitor student activities, promote respect, explain social norms and disciplinary consequences, and de‑escalate confrontations.
• Maintain behavior documentation, written observations, and anecdotal information files for SAIL, IEP, and FBA.
• Monitor work, correct papers, and coordinate transitions for medications, meals, buses, and classes.
• Attend to and provide for students' daily hygiene, personal and health‑related care as directed by licensed staff; assist students in community, recreational, school, and vocational training; provide assistance in classrooms and after‑school programs.

• Completion of 90 quarter/60 semester college credits or higher; or
• Passing score of 460 (or higher) on the Para Pro Assessment plus a high school diploma or GED.
• Two years of experience working with children; additional education or training may substitute for experience.

• Associate's degree in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences, or related field.

• First Aid/CPR/AED, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training, and Special Education Orientation within one year.

• Requires frequent walking or standing, lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Eligibility based on passing required pre‑placement exam.

Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Appointment contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

Resume and Cover Letter mandatory.

Minneapolis Public Schools is committed to diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status. We encourage diverse candidates to apply.

Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools' core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college‑ready. Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with, and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.