Special Education Paraprofessional - Self-Contained / Life Skills

Special Education Paraprofessional – Self-Contained / Life SkillsGuadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School.GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers' educational programs — part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success.The Special Education Paraprofessional – Self-Contained supports students with significant cognitive, adaptive, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities within a self-contained life skills classroom. Under the direction of a certified Special Education Teacher, the paraprofessional assists in implementing individualized instruction, behavior supports, and personal care to help students develop functional academic skills, communication, independence, social-emotional skills, and activities of daily living.This position serves students who require intensive, ongoing supports and accommodations and who may have complex medical, behavioral, or adaptive needs that limit participation in general education settings without substantial modifications.Essential FunctionsDevelops and implements individualized, standards-referenced, and functional life skills instruction aligned with IEP goals, Missouri Learning Standards–Extended, and transition readiness expectations as appropriate.Provides direct instruction in functional academics, communication, social skills, self-regulation, vocational readiness, and activities of daily living (e.g., hygiene, toileting, feeding, mobility, organization).Adapts and differentiates curriculum, materials, and instructional strategies to meet diverse learning, sensory, and communication needs.Utilizes evidence-based instructional practices, data-driven decision making, and positive behavior supports.Assessment & Progress MonitoringAdministers and interprets formal and informal assessments to determine present levels of performance and instructional needs.Collects, analyzes, and documents data on academic, behavioral, adaptive, and functional goals to monitor progress and guide instruction.Prepares progress reports and contributes required documentation for IEP meetings, evaluations, and compliance monitoring.Behavior & Student SupportImplements Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and de-escalation strategies consistent with trauma-informed and restorative practices.Maintains a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment that promotes dignity, independence, and inclusion.Provides physical management and crisis intervention only when required to ensure student and staff safety, following district and state guidelines.Health, Safety & Personal CareSupports students with personal care and medical needs (e.g., toileting, diapering, feeding, mobility assistance) in accordance with training, care plans, and health protocols.Responds appropriately to medical or safety emergencies and follows established reporting and documentation procedures.Collaboration & CommunicationCollaborates closely with paraprofessionals, related service providers (speech, OT, PT, counseling), general education staff, and administrators to support student success.Directs and supervises paraprofessionals to ensure consistent implementation of instruction, behavior supports, and student care.Communicates regularly and respectfully with parents/guardians regarding student progress, needs, and strategies to support learning at home.Professional ResponsibilitiesMaintains accurate, confidential records including IEPs, service logs, behavior data, medical logs, and attendance.Participates in IEP meetings, staff meetings, professional development, and required training.Complies with all state and federal special education laws, charter school policies, and ethical standards.Performs other related duties as assigned to support the mission of Guadalupe Center Charter School.Job RequirementsBachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field (Master's degree preferred).Valid Missouri Special Education teaching certification (or ability to obtain appropriate certification).Completion of required background checks and clearances.Skills, Knowledge & AbilitiesKnowledge of special education law (IDEA), IEP development, and compliance requirements.Strong understanding of life skills instruction, functional academics, adaptive behavior, and transition planning.Ability to manage a self-contained classroom with students who have intensive needs.Skills in behavior management, data collection, collaboration, and communication.Ability to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate patience and professionalism, and adapt to changing student needs.Proficiency with educational technology, data systems, and standard office software.Work Environment & Physical DemandsWork is performed primarily in a self-contained classroom and school community settings.Requires frequent standing, walking, and movement; occasional lifting, transferring, or assisting students with mobility.May involve exposure to behaviors that present a risk of injury and require adherence to safety protocols.Physical RequirementsAbility to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the school day.Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as needed.Ability to access and navigate all areas of the school and related facilities.Application Process:Please complete an application, which may be found at If a position requires a degree, please upload a copy of your transcripts and/or degree certification to your application. Other attachments, such as a cover letter or resume, can also be uploaded and attached to the application.Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools complies with all applicable laws, statutes, and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.