Para Sped Low Incidence

About the Role

As a Para Sped Low Incidence support staff member, you will serve as a vital extension of the classroom teacher, working under the supervision of an administrator and direction of certified staff. Your primary mission is to facilitate the education and integration of students with low-incidence disabilities, ensuring they receive the intensive, individualized support necessary to thrive in both special and regular education settings.

This role is designed for a dedicated professional who can adapt to the dynamic needs of students requiring specialized assistance. You will be the bridge between students and their curriculum, helping to manage behavior, implement safety protocols, and support physical and medical needs. Whether assisting with daily living skills like feeding and toileting, facilitating transportation, or helping students navigate the classroom environment, your presence ensures a safe, structured, and inclusive learning atmosphere.

A Day in the Life

Your day will be a blend of instructional support, behavioral intervention, and logistical care. You might begin by assisting the teacher in setting up the classroom for group instruction or preparing learning centers. Throughout the day, you will supervise students during class activities, helping them integrate into regular education programs and supporting their use of low vision or adaptive magnifying equipment.

Behavioral support is a key component of your role. You will assist in implementing behavior plans, using questioning techniques to engage students, and intervening in crisis situations to defuse conflicts while documenting occurrences. You will also support students with basic needs, including hygiene, feeding, and physical transfers, always maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.

Beyond the classroom, your responsibilities extend to the wider school community. You may assist with transportation, helping students board and disembark buses, or participate in school activities on and off campus. Collaboration is essential; you will work closely with teachers, nurses, and parents to ensure consistent support, attending staff meetings, PLCs, and parent conferences as required.

Hiring Process & Application

Candidates for this position must be prepared to meet specific physical and professional standards. The selection process includes a Physical Capacity Test (PCT) to ensure the ability to perform the essential functions of the role, such as lifting, carrying, and reacting to emergencies. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in relevant skills, which may include sign language modalities, Braille, or Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI), depending on the specific assignment.

Successful candidates will be expected to maintain a professional appearance and punctuality, reflecting positively on USD 259. Ongoing professional development is required, with a minimum of 20 hours of in-service training annually (reducing to 10 hours after three years) to stay current with best practices in special education support.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

USD 259 is committed to providing a supportive environment for all students and staff. We value a diverse population and expect all employees to interact with colleagues, students, and families with tact, diplomacy, and a positive attitude. We believe that every employee plays a crucial role in achieving our mission, and we encourage individuals who are sensitive to the unique needs of students with low-incidence disabilities to join our team.