Job Description

Special Education Paraeducator

Supervisor: Building Administrator

Contract Length: 190 days, or as assigned

Job Classification: Paraeducator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

In the Fort Dodge Community School District, we are professional, high-performing team players focused on delivering the best possible learning experience for each one of our 3700 students. We respect diversity, value integrity, reward competitively, celebrate success and support employee growth and development. We aim to attract, develop and retain the best people as part of our Dodger family.

Compensation

• $15.07/hr (+$0.40 extra for 60+ college credit and $0.30 for Para Certification/Sub Authorization)
• All positions assigned 30 or more hours weekly (typically 6 hours daily) are eligible for a full benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance and paid leave.

Job Summary

Assist teachers in the instruction, supervision, and care of students in a variety of instructional settings, including special education, general education, work/community, early learning, and school bus, as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Assist teachers with educational activities.
• Assist in maintaining a safe and orderly educational environment.
• Assist in implementing consistent behavior management strategies and procedures.
• Supervise lunchroom, recess, halls, classroom, bus loading/unloading, and other assigned areas.
• Clarify and reinforce teachers' instructions and reinforce skills taught by the teacher.
• Chart/graph student performance.
• Assist students with work completion.
• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of students' Individual Education Plans.
• Prepare and organize instructional materials and equipment.
• Assist in meal and snack preparation and clean up, as needed.
• Assist in cleaning and sanitizing the classroom environment.
• Follow students' behavior management plans.
• Perform personal care duties for students with disabilities, as needed.
• Assist with instruction in the community setting, as required.
• Lift, carry and correctly position students with physical disabilities.
• Prepare instructional materials.
• Complete Medicaid documentation, as necessary.
• Feed, toilet and diaper students as needed.
• Implement strategies to maintain/increase appropriate behavior and reduce inappropriate behavior.
• Supervise students in community/work settings.
• Follow directions from teachers and administrators.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Provide supervision to students on the school bus, as assigned.
• Attend work on a prompt and reliable basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to engage students with special needs
• Ability to carry out duties cooperatively with others
• Ability to follow health, safety, and emergency procedures
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed primarily in classrooms and other school settings, including hallways, the cafeteria, the playground, and buses or field trip locations, with outdoor supervision in varying weather. The position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and sitting at student-height furniture; the ability to move quickly to respond to student needs and safety concerns; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds; and, depending on assignment, physically assisting students with mobility, transfers, or personal care. The work involves regular exposure to classroom noise, communicable illnesses, and occasionally bodily fluids. The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation. This description is not an exhaustive list of duties and may be changed at any time.

The Fort Dodge Community School District is an EEO/AA employer. The District does not discriminate in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or related condition, or disability. In keeping with the law, the Board considers the veteran status of applicants. Questions or complaints about equal employment opportunity or affirmative action may be directed to the Affirmative Action and EEO Compliance Officer, Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, Fort Dodge Community School District, 800 N 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, 515-574-5731, rporter@fdschools.org. The full Nondiscrimination Notice is available at https://www.fdschools.org/page/annual-non-discrimination-statement/.

Rev. 10/2026

Fort Dodge Community School District is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.