Early Childhood Special Services Paraprofessional

2026 Explore Early Childhood Special Services Paraprofessional

Springfield Public Schools District – Will Be Determined – Springfield, Missouri

Job : 5506354

Final date to receive applications: Jun 01, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)

Re-Posted: Feb 16, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Title: 2026 Explore Early Childhood Special Services Paraprofessional

Pay Grade: Based on CBA Side Letter and  Salary Schedule

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Building Administrator

The process and information below aligns with the Support Staff NEA Side Letter (Summer 2025) and may be subject to change based on the collective bargaining process for the Support Staff NEA Side Letter (Summer 2026), once ratified. We will follow up if any adjustments impact the information below, as applicable. Student enrollment and needs of the students and district may also impact staffing.

Note: Eligible employees, as defined by the Support Staff CBA , who filled out the intent form, do not need to apply through the 2026 Explore job posting. Explore (Seated) – June 1st – 26th. Explore 2026 Sites (Explore Site, Feeder Sites, Tier
- Start/End Times):
Will be staffed based on programming needs.

First consideration will be given to eligible bargaining unit employees (for the unit to which the employee belongs) who can commit to the full session (20 days for seated) and training day(s) of Explore and (for Support Staff) who have previous Explore experience. Preference shall then continue to be given to all other eligible bargaining unit employees. The next consideration will be provided to other qualified district employees.

External applicants will be considered thereafter.

This position is responsible for providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting students in reaching targeted behavior goals and social competencies; assisting in the instruction of individual or small groups of students in a variety of subject areas; and monitoring and reporting student behavior and performance.

• Assists teachers in specialized and/or mainstream education classroom in preparing and presenting a variety of instructional materials for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Assists assigned instructional staff in improving student's learning skills, self-care, and/or social development (e.g. cafeteria skills, PE participation, library behavior, proper hygiene, etc.) for the purpose of providing learning concepts and materials.
• Attends meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, etc. for the purpose of receiving and conveying information.
• Communicates with teachers regarding assigned students' progress for the purpose of participating in needs assessments and/or assisting in evaluating progress.
• Documents observations of student performance in academic and school activities (e.g. social skills, behavior, assignments, etc.) for the purpose of providing written records and/or complying with mandated requirements.
• Escorts students for the purpose of providing direction and ensuring their welfare.
• Guides special education students in personal interactions and/or specific student issues for the purpose of developing interpersonal skills and successful problem solving strategies.
• Maintains a variety of manual and electronic instructional files and records for the purpose of providing written reference and meeting mandated requirements.
• Monitors students' performance, under the direction of assigned classroom teacher, for the purpose of providing feedback to students, teachers and/or others involved in the provision of services in accordance with IEPs.
• Reports health and safety issues to instructional personnel, administrative personnel and/or appropriate agencies (e.g. fights, suspected child or substance abuse, inappropriate social behaviors, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students’ personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Supports students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, field trips, dances, sporting…