Special Education Paraprofessional Jobs
Special Education Paraprofessional jobs are open across public school districts, private schools, and therapeutic learning centers, from entry-level aide to senior paraprofessional, with specializations in autism support, behavioral intervention, and physical and developmental disabilities. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Special Education Paraprofessional
Santa Fe South El Camino Elementary | Santa Fe South Schools
Oklahoma City, OK | 2026-2027 School Year
About Santa Fe South & El Camino Elementary
Santa Fe South Charter Schools (SFS) is a free, public charter school district serving the south side of Oklahoma City. Grounded in a deep commitment to students and community, SFS exists to ensure that every student experiences a learning environment that is supportive, challenging, and academically rigorous.
In the 2026–2027 school year, Santa Fe South proudly continues the growth of El Camino Elementary, our sixth elementary campus. After opening its doors in its inaugural year with Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade, El Camino is now expanding to include 2nd grade and adding one additional teaching position at each existing grade level. The school will continue to grow annually, adding one grade per year until it reaches 5th grade.
El Camino Elementary is a mission-driven Santa Fe South campus committed to academic excellence, strong instructional systems, and a culture of growth and development for students and teachers alike. Opened in the 2025–2026 school year, El Camino was intentionally designed to ensure all students receive high-quality instruction and are held to high academic expectations. Now in a phase of continued growth and expansion, El Camino is building on its early momentum by strengthening schoolwide systems, deepening collaboration among staff, and investing in roles that directly impact student achievement. The campus is defined by a collective commitment to excellence, where educators take shared responsibility for student outcomes, use data to drive decisions, and continuously refine practice in service of student learning.
Position Summary
The Special Education Paraprofessional assists students with disabilities under the direction of a certified special education teacher. Paraprofessionals may work in both general and special education classroom settings and support students throughout the school day.
This role includes assisting with instructional activities, supporting the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), helping students develop independence and social skills, and ensuring the physical and emotional safety of students. Special education paraprofessionals play a critical role in promoting dignity, inclusion, and meaningful participation for all students.
Essential Responsibilities
Student Support and Instruction
- Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction of special and general education teachers and related service staff
- Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and monitor student progress through data collection
- Provide support for individual students or small groups inside and outside the classroom to enable full participation in learning activities
- Assist teachers with daily classroom activities and instructional programs
Behavioral and Personal Support
- Support students who may require behavioral assistance and document incidents or progress when requested
- Assist students with personal care needs as necessary, including lifting, feeding, toileting, and hygiene support
- Promote student independence and self-advocacy skills to improve long-term outcomes
Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities
- Communicate effectively with teachers, therapists, and other school staff to support student needs
- Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate a high level of ethical behavior regarding student information
- Participate in staff meetings, team meetings, and professional development opportunities
- Model appropriate social behavior, conversation, and interactions for students
- Demonstrate professionalism in communication, dress, punctuality, and attendance
- Follow all health and safety procedures and proactively support a safe learning environment
- Support the mission and values of Santa Fe South Charter Schools
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Physical and Professional Expectations
- Be capable of physically assisting students with disabilities when required, including positioning, lifting, transferring, or restraining when appropriate and trained
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively and cooperatively under the direction of teachers and school leadership
- Be willing to learn and assist with adaptive equipment and assistive technology as needed
Qualifications
- High school diploma required
- Must meet the requirements for Special Education Paraprofessionals under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, including one of the following:
- Completion of at least 48 semester hours of college coursework OR
- Associate’s degree (or higher) OR
- Passing score on the WorkKeys Test, ParaPro Assessment, or Oklahoma General Education Test
Required Training (may be completed after hire):
- Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Training
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens Training
- Annual professional development including at least 6 hours of training and updated Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens training
Salary and Benefits
- Starting salary: $25,080 annually (190-day contract, no prior experience)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance provided for contracted employees
- 401(k) with 7% contribution after six months of employment
- 10 days of paid time off
Special Education Paraprofessional
Santa Fe South El Camino Elementary | Santa Fe South Schools
Oklahoma City, OK | 2026-2027 School Year
About Santa Fe South & El Camino Elementary
Santa Fe South Charter Schools (SFS) is a free, public charter school district serving the south side of Oklahoma City. Grounded in a deep commitment to students and community, SFS exists to ensure that every student experiences a learning environment that is supportive, challenging, and academically rigorous.
In the 2026–2027 school year, Santa Fe South proudly continues the growth of El Camino Elementary, our sixth elementary campus. After opening its doors in its inaugural year with Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade, El Camino is now expanding to include 2nd grade and adding one additional teaching position at each existing grade level. The school will continue to grow annually, adding one grade per year until it reaches 5th grade.
El Camino Elementary is a mission-driven Santa Fe South campus committed to academic excellence, strong instructional systems, and a culture of growth and development for students and teachers alike. Opened in the 2025–2026 school year, El Camino was intentionally designed to ensure all students receive high-quality instruction and are held to high academic expectations. Now in a phase of continued growth and expansion, El Camino is building on its early momentum by strengthening schoolwide systems, deepening collaboration among staff, and investing in roles that directly impact student achievement. The campus is defined by a collective commitment to excellence, where educators take shared responsibility for student outcomes, use data to drive decisions, and continuously refine practice in service of student learning.
Position Summary
The Special Education Paraprofessional assists students with disabilities under the direction of a certified special education teacher. Paraprofessionals may work in both general and special education classroom settings and support students throughout the school day.
This role includes assisting with instructional activities, supporting the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), helping students develop independence and social skills, and ensuring the physical and emotional safety of students. Special education paraprofessionals play a critical role in promoting dignity, inclusion, and meaningful participation for all students.
Essential Responsibilities
Student Support and Instruction
- Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction of special and general education teachers and related service staff
- Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and monitor student progress through data collection
- Provide support for individual students or small groups inside and outside the classroom to enable full participation in learning activities
- Assist teachers with daily classroom activities and instructional programs
Behavioral and Personal Support
- Support students who may require behavioral assistance and document incidents or progress when requested
- Assist students with personal care needs as necessary, including lifting, feeding, toileting, and hygiene support
- Promote student independence and self-advocacy skills to improve long-term outcomes
Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities
- Communicate effectively with teachers, therapists, and other school staff to support student needs
- Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate a high level of ethical behavior regarding student information
- Participate in staff meetings, team meetings, and professional development opportunities
- Model appropriate social behavior, conversation, and interactions for students
- Demonstrate professionalism in communication, dress, punctuality, and attendance
- Follow all health and safety procedures and proactively support a safe learning environment
- Support the mission and values of Santa Fe South Charter Schools
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Physical and Professional Expectations
- Be capable of physically assisting students with disabilities when required, including positioning, lifting, transferring, or restraining when appropriate and trained
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively and cooperatively under the direction of teachers and school leadership
- Be willing to learn and assist with adaptive equipment and assistive technology as needed
Qualifications
- High school diploma required
- Must meet the requirements for Special Education Paraprofessionals under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, including one of the following:
- Completion of at least 48 semester hours of college coursework OR
- Associate’s degree (or higher) OR
- Passing score on the WorkKeys Test, ParaPro Assessment, or Oklahoma General Education Test
Required Training (may be completed after hire):
- Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Training
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens Training
- Annual professional development including at least 6 hours of training and updated Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens training
Salary and Benefits
- Starting salary: $25,080 annually (190-day contract, no prior experience)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance provided for contracted employees
- 401(k) with 7% contribution after six months of employment
- 10 days of paid time off
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Find JobsSpecial Education Paraprofessional Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Denver Public Schools25
- Poudre School District25
- Hays USD 48920H
- South San Francisco Unified School District12
- Springfield Local School District11S
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education paraprofessional jobs.
- High school diploma or equivalent with an associate degree or 48 college credit hours preferred
- Experience supporting students with IEPs in a classroom or therapeutic setting
- Paraprofessional certification or Highly Qualified Paraprofessional status as required by state
- Ability to implement behavior intervention plans and collect progress data accurately
- CPR and first aid certification, with physical ability to assist students with mobility needs
- Familiarity with assistive technology devices and augmentative communication tools
Tips for Your Special Education Paraprofessional Job Search
Tailor your resume to IEP language
Hiring managers scan for familiarity with Individualized Education Programs. Use IEP-specific language on your resume, such as goal tracking, data collection, and accommodations implementation, to signal you can support students without extra training from day one.
List your paraprofessional certification by state
Paraprofessional requirements vary by state, and some districts reject applications missing the right credential upfront. Name your specific certification, the issuing state, and expiration date on your resume so hiring teams can confirm compliance before the first interview.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists special education paraprofessional openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that name specific disability categories
Job listings that specify autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavioral disorders, or multiple disabilities signal the district knows exactly who they need. Apply to those first, since your relevant experience is a direct match rather than a general fit.
Prepare scenario answers around crisis de-escalation
Interviewers for paraprofessional roles almost always ask how you handled a student in behavioral crisis. Prepare two specific examples that show the steps you took, the outcome, and what you learned, using calm and factual language rather than emotional framing.
Negotiate your placement on the salary schedule
Most school districts use a fixed salary schedule, but prior years of experience and relevant certifications can qualify you for a higher starting step. Ask HR which documentation you need to submit before your start date so you don't forfeit eligible credit.
Special Education Paraprofessional Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most special education paraprofessionals?
Denver Public Schools, Poudre School District, and Hays USD 489 are hiring the most special education paraprofessionals right now, with openings concentrated in Colorado, Minnesota, and Illinois, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Demand is especially high in districts with growing special education enrollment and in therapeutic day school programs.
How many special education paraprofessional jobs are remote?
About 0% of special education paraprofessional openings are fully remote or hybrid as of August 2026, largely because most duties require in-person student support. The sub-areas most likely to include remote components are virtual tutoring aide roles and administrative data entry positions that support special education coordinators.
How do you become a special education paraprofessional?
Earn a high school diploma at minimum, though many districts require an associate degree or a set number of college credits. Obtain your state's required paraprofessional certification, which often involves a written assessment or a portfolio review. Gain direct experience with students who have disabilities through volunteer work, tutoring, or a school practicum. Then apply to open positions at public school districts, charter schools, or private therapeutic programs.
Can you get hired as a special education paraprofessional with no experience?
Yes, entry-level paraprofessional positions exist specifically for candidates without prior classroom experience, particularly in districts with high turnover or critical staffing shortages. Volunteering with disability-focused organizations, completing a child development course, or earning a basic paraprofessional certificate before applying can strengthen your application significantly. Highlight any caregiving, tutoring, or youth program work you have done, since those transferable skills directly address what hiring managers need.
What does the special education paraprofessional interview process look like?
Most districts begin with a brief phone screen to confirm certification status and availability. An in-person or video interview with a special education coordinator or principal follows, typically including scenario-based questions about student behavior, IEP support, and communication with teachers. Some schools ask candidates to complete a short written reflection or observe a classroom before a final offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to special education paraprofessional jobs?
You can find and apply to special education paraprofessional jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from school districts and learning programs across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, certification, and preferred location, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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