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Minneapolis Public Schools · 1 month ago

Special Education Assistant (Program) [DCD] - (2025-2026) Hmong International Academy Elementary

Minneapolis, MN

Full-time

Onsite

Entry Level

$26.37/hr - $29.85/hr

2+ years exp

Minneapolis Public Schools is dedicated to providing quality education and support to its diverse student body. The Special Education Assistant (Program) is responsible for assisting students with special needs, promoting their independence and inclusion, and supporting MPS staff in developing individualized lessons and activities. This role requires collaboration with educators to create a safe and productive learning environment for students with disabilities.

E-LearningEducationPrimary Education

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Provides support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities enrolled in MPS; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies, quality standards, and the Standards of Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants; duties may vary according to job assignment

Assists MPS staff to facilitate educational functions and other services to maintain a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment in the Least Restrictive Environment possible, that is also sensitive to the individual needs and legal rights of Special Education students; works with students to improve personal skills and reinforce classroom learning

Assists students in learning processes; applies Prevent, Teach, Reinforce Behavior Intervention Plans, reinforces positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages opportunities for peer socialization

Monitors student activities, promotes respect, explains social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalates personal confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules of conduct

Monitors assigned students and records data for academic and behavioral assessments; maintains files, and keeps records of student progress and activities

Maintains behavior documentation, written observations and anecdotal information files for Support and Advocacy for Independent Living Program (SAIL), Individualized Education Program (IEP), and Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA)

Monitors work, corrects papers and transitions students for medications, meals, buses and classes

Attends to and provides for students’ daily hygiene, personal and health related cares, as directed by licensed staff

Promotes student independence in community, recreational, school and leisure activities, and vocational training

Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal

Prepares the classroom environment and material to be utilized by students; provides assistance with students in classrooms, special projects, and after-school programs

Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answers questions, and explains school rules

Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment

Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures

Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information

Bilingual: Interpret and translate all information relating to the educational programming for students who have both Special Education and English Language Learner needs. Requires oral and written fluency in English and a second language and bicultural background. Work in conjunction with Special Education and regular education teachers

Special Education – Amharic

Special Education – Cambodian

Special Education – Hmong

Special Education – Liberian

Special Education – Oromo

Special Education - Somali

Special Education – Spanish

Special Education – Tibetan

Special Education - Vietnamese

Intervention SEA: Provides support in the least restrictive environment so that students can be successful in resource settings; ensures that Prevent, Teach, Reinforce behavior support plans are being implemented with fidelity for students in special education resource settings. Personal transportation is required as position may move from site to site

SEA Cadre : Serve as a reserve/substitute Special Education Assistant. Employees in this unique group will be assigned on an emergency basis to support schools/programs in high need situations across disability areas. Personal transportation is required as position may move from site to site

Qualification

Special Education knowledgeBehavior Intervention PlansMonitoring student progressBilingual communicationFirst Aid/CPR/AED certificationRecord keepingClassroom managementEffective communicationCollaboration skills

Required

High School Diploma/GED

Monitors completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences or educational area related to position assignment

Passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment

Two (2) years of paid experience working with children

Equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources

Knowledge of classroom policies, procedures and processes

Knowledge of methods and techniques to assist students in reading, writing and mathematics

Knowledge of methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs

Knowledge of local community resources and regional community services programs

Knowledge of basic principles of record keeping and records management

Knowledge of computers utilizing standard and specialized software

Knowledge of safety rules and regulations

Skill in monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills

Skill in assisting children and special needs students and assessing educational needs

Skill in maintaining composure and working effectively under classroom conditions

Skill in reacting appropriately to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems

Skill in communicating effectively with children

Skill in following verbal and written instructions

Skill in working collaboratively with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds

Skill in communicating effectively in verbal and written forms

Minnesota State Driver's License may be required

Special Education Assistant Onboarding Training is required within sixty (60) days of date of employment

First Aid/CPR/AED, de-escalation and crisis response training, and Special Education Orientation is required within one (1) year of date of employment based on assignment

Benefits

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

HSA & FSA

Retirement plan

Company

Minneapolis Public Schools

We are MPS. At MPS, we work every day to provide our students an inclusive education, a supportive community and lifelong learning.

Founded in 1834

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

5001-10000 employees

https://mpls.k12.mn.us/

H1B Sponsorship

Minneapolis Public Schools has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

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2023 (1)