Special Education Assistant | Susan Lindgren Elementary

Special Education Assistant | Susan Lindgren Elementary |

Saint Louis Park Independent School District, St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Starting Date: Aug 17, 2026

Position: PARA 5‑Special Education Assistant

Department: Special Services

Salary Range: $22.30 - $28.47 per hour

FTE: 0.81 (6.5 hours) | 10‑Month | Non‑Exempt

The Special Education Assistant supports students with special needs under the direction of a special education teacher. Responsibilities include assisting with classroom activities, implementing IEPs, providing one‑on‑one or small‑group instruction, supporting daily living activities, monitoring progress, and adapting materials to meet individual needs.

• Assist students during lessons, activities, and instruction.
• Implement and follow IEPs under teacher guidance.
• Support academic tasks such as reading, writing, math, and other subjects.
• Manage behavior and apply strategies from IEPs or behavior plans.
• Help develop social, communication, and life skills.
• Assist with daily living activities (eating, dressing, personal hygiene) as needed.
• Monitor progress, record observations, and report student development.
• Adapt materials and activities to meet students’ needs.
• Support transitions between classes, lunch, and recess.
• Maintain inclusive, positive classroom environment.
• Collaborate with special education team, therapists, and administrators.
• Supervise students during recess, lunch, and field trips.
• Participate in meetings and training sessions.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Understanding of special education principles and IEPs.
• Knowledge of various disabilities and their learning impact.
• Behavior management techniques.
• Awareness of school policies on safety, confidentiality, and classroom management.
• Basic child development and learning strategies.
• First aid, CPR, and emergency procedures.
• Experience in one‑on‑one and small‑group settings.
• Use of adaptive technology or materials.
• Effective communication with students, teachers, and parents.
• Positive reinforcement of behavior.
• Support for daily living activities.
• Accurate recording and reporting of observations.
• Instructional adaptation to individual needs.
• Collaboration with teachers, therapists, and staff.
• Patience, empathy, and positive attitude.
• Calmness in challenging situations.
• Monitor during classroom activities and transitions.
• Foster inclusive learning environment.
• Support social, communication, and self‑help skills.
• Adhere to educational practices, policies, and guidelines.

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Move quickly for transitions and emergencies.
• Lift or assist students and move up to 30 pounds.
• Bend, kneel, or reach as needed.
• Provide hands‑on assistance for personal care tasks.
• Maintain energy and focus throughout the day.
• Work in varying conditions during activities and field trips.
• Use hands for instructional materials and adaptive tech.

• Primary classroom setting with students having special needs.
• Occasional outdoor settings (recess, lunch, events).
• Collaborative work with teachers, therapists, and staff.
• Interaction with diverse disabilities including physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral.
• Requires patience, empathy, and calmness.
• Dynamic pace requiring adaptability.
• Inclusive atmosphere supporting all students.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Post‑secondary coursework in special education, child development, or related fields preferred.
• Applicant must meet one of the following: 2 years college credits, Associate's degree or higher, or passing score on approved assessment.
• Previous experience with children, especially those with special needs, preferred.
• First aid, CPR, or behavioral management training preferred.
• Crisis Prevention Intervention training will be provided.

• Health and dental insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Life insurance.
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.

• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.