The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD caters to over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package, Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment. 

JDE: 5.39

Special Education Paraprofessional

Purpose Statement

The position of Special Education Paraprofessional is to help special education teachers provide for physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in special education and/or general education settings.  Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs.  Work under general supervision of the principal and immediate direction of a certified teacher.

Job Title: Special Education Paraprofessional       

Hourly Wage: $16.00/hr.

Hours: 

• (3) positions - 7:30 A.M. - 3:15 P.M.

Reports To:  Building Principal and teacher(s) assigned    

Wage/Hour Status:  Non-Exempt

Benefit Summary: D

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid Iowa Paraeducator Certificate, preferred
• Experience working with children, preferred

Essential Functions 

Instructional Support

• Help teachers prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teachers keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.

Student Management

• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom.  This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep teachers informed of special needs or problems of individual students.

Other Functions 

• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.       
• Assist with academic, social, emotional, and health needs of students. 
• Demonstrates integrity and maintains confidentiality.
• Is respectful and appropriately interacts with staff, students, and visitors.
• Works well with others, maintaining positive and effective communication with all school personnel.
• Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the Ankeny Community School District safety program.
• Supports the goals and objectives of the school district and follows all district policies.
• Demonstrates the ability to attend work on a regular and routine basis to avoid disruption to district operations
• Performs any other duties as assigned by the appropriate supervisor.
• Assist with particular health needs of students (i.e. feedings, busing, mobility, general hygiene, toileting and distribution of medications).  
• Perform all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or others. 
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution. 
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit. 

Working Environment 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands:  significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, reaching, driving, standing and walking. Working conditions may include extreme temperatures and humidity.  Hazards may include exposure to communicable diseases. This position requires one to maintain emotional control under stress. 

Responsibility 

Responsibilities include working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform position functions.  There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services. 

Terms of Employment 

Work year established by the Superintendent; Salary according to schedule adopted annually.

Clearances

Background Clearance

Evaluation 

Job performance will be evaluated annually, as per district policies and procedures

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Approved by:  Justin Mohr                           Date:  June 7th, 2024

Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  It is the policy of the District to provide equal employment opportunities and not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age or marital status in its employment and personnel practices.  The job categories where the representative groups are underrepresented.