Paraprofessional Specialist - Pre-K Program
Content + Source + Freshness • 12 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
High value position due to specific focus on at-risk students, resulting in strong professional fulfillment and growth opportunities.
- Critical role in supporting at-risk student communities
- Growth in individualized educational and teaching strategies
- Opportunities for ongoing learning and development
Pros
- Meaningful impact on at-risk student populations
- Chance to collaborate with various educational professionals
- Access to ongoing professional training and support
Cons
- Potential for emotionally taxing situations
- Job responsibilities may involve diverse challenges
- Require adaptability to changing educational climates
Who it's for
Entry-Level to Mid-Level • On-site
Good fit
- Individuals dedicated to educational support and equity
- Candidates eager to work closely with teachers and students
- Professionals interested in developing tailored educational strategies
Not recommended for
- Those looking for dispassionate administrative roles
- Job seekers who prefer strictly structured environments
- Candidates unwilling to engage with diverse student challenges
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
2025-26 School Year
171 days/yr
7.5 hours/day
*Must have 60 college credit hours, pass the Paraprofessional test in the State of MO or Missouri 20-hour Online Substitute Training Program
Purpose Statement
The job of Paraprofessional Specialist was established for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program within the assigned classroom with specific responsibility for working with at-risk students one-on-one; following educational and specific behavioral plans; documenting students’ daily activities, and modeling appropriate behaviors and interactions with student and staff.
Essential Functions
- Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
- Communicates with a variety of professionals (e.g. Speech Therapist, PTs, COTAs, etc.) for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
- Collects student and classroom data (e.g. behavior, completed assignments, on/off task times, etc.) for the purpose of monitoring student growth and possible IEP/BIP revisions and independently facilitate instruction and behavior supports or plans under the direction of the classroom teacher for the purposes of presenting, reinforcing and learning concepts.
- Provides necessary accommodations and modifications to increase accessibility in general education and special education environments.
- Remains current on educational practices through targeted professional development to support students who are significantly impacted by their disability.
- Maintains confidentiality of students’ information for the purpose of following adopted policies and guidelines.
- Maintains manual and electronic files and/or records for the purpose of providing a written reference; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
- Models conversation, manners, clean-up activities, listening, and everyday interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
- Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
- Provides instruction to students, under the direction of the classroom teacher (e.g. math, science, reading, behavioral skills, daily living skills, writing, verbal skills, etc.) for the purpose of implementing IEP goals; assisting in adapting to mainstream classrooms/; and ensuring student's success.
- Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments for the purpose of providing student safety, removing students when necessary and de-escalating situations outside the classroom.
- Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns through district approved procedures and techniques.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: age-appropriate activities when working with high-risk youth; and concepts of grammar and punctuation.
ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data, and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem-solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem-solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines, and problem-solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with frequent interruptions.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.
Working Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations.
Experience Job related experience is required.
Education Targeted job-related education that meets organization’s prerequisite requirements.
Must have 60 college credit hours or pass the Paraprofessional Test in the State of MO.
Required Testing None Specified
Continuing Educ. / Training None Specified
Certificates & Licenses Valid Driver’s License & Evidence of Insurability
Clearances Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
