Educational Assistant

Special Education Educational Assistant

Start Date: August 2026

Location: Columbia Heights Elementary Academy

Reports to: Principal / Director of Special Education

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Updated: December 2025

Position Summary

Special Education Educational Assistants (Paraprofessionals) are committed members of a collaborative school team that is closing the opportunity gap for students. A Prodeo Academy Special Education Educational Assistant supports students with disabilities academically, behaviorally, and functionally under the direction of licensed staff, while contributing to a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environment for students and families.

Educational Assistants provide support to individual students or small groups across a variety of instructional settings and may assist with instructional activities, behavior support, personal care, data collection, and medical needs as required. This role is ideal for someone who is energized by challenging work, comfortable with responsibility, open to feedback and coaching, highly collaborative, demonstrates strong communication skills, and is interested in growing within the field of education.

About Prodeo

Prodeo Academy is a network of public charter schools serving the Twin Cities. Prodeo Academy is a meaningful education solution that is closing the opportunity gap through data-driven instruction in a culture grounded in five core values: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Development, and Engagement. Shared expectations around these values enhance the opportunity for scholars to reach their full potential. We seek team members who are committed to helping students access greater opportunities, achieve future success, and contribute positively to their communities.

Essential Functions

The following duties represent the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Instructional & Classroom Support

• Support instruction for individual students or small groups under the direction of a licensed teacher or special education staff member.
• Implement instructional activities, accommodations, and modifications as outlined in written lesson plans, schedules, IEPs, and behavior plans.
• Support students across a variety of instructional settings, which may include general education classrooms, resource rooms, and center-based or specialized classroom settings.
• Reinforce learning objectives and support student engagement during lessons and activities.
• Assist with accommodations and supports during classroom-based and schoolwide assessments.

Data Collection & Documentation

• Support ongoing data collection and tracking related to student academic progress, behavior, attendance, and goal progress as directed by licensed staff.
• Accurately record observations and data using required tools, forms, or digital systems.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling student records and information.
• Share relevant data and observations with supervising staff in a timely manner.

Student Support, Behavior & Safety

• Support students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs using schoolwide behavior systems and approved intervention strategies.
• Follow written behavior plans, safety plans, and crisis response protocols with fidelity.
• Help maintain a safe, predictable, and respectful learning environment.
• Ensure safety and appropriate supervision of students at all times.
• Assist with crisis intervention or student safety procedures when trained and required.

Personal Care, ADLs & Medical Support

• Provide assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as required, which may include toileting, feeding, hygiene, mobility, and other personal care tasks.
• Demonstrate willingness to obtain and maintain Personal Care Assistant (PCA) certification, as required by student needs and program expectations.
• Support students with medical needs in accordance with written care plans and training provided by the school or licensed medical professionals (e.g., seizure response, feeding protocols, mobility equipment).
• Maintain student dignity, privacy, and confidentiality at all times.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work collaboratively with teachers, special education staff, related service providers, and administrators.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully with supervising staff regarding student progress, concerns, and needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with students and families.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions.

Professional Responsibilities

• Follow assigned schedules, duty expectations, and supervision plans consistently.
• Complete assigned responsibilities independently and reliably, seeking guidance when clarification is needed.
• Participate in required professional development, training, and coaching, including a 3-week training in August.
• Complete required certifications and training, including PCA certification, health and safety training, and behavior support training, as assigned.
• Check and respond to team and family communication within 24–48 business hours.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance, which is an essential function of the role.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the school and organization.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Prodeo Academy reserves the right to modify duties at any time.

Qualifications

Education & Credential Requirements: Must meet Minnesota Highly Qualified Paraprofessional requirements, including one of the following:

• Associate degree or higher, or
• Completion of 60+ college credits, or
• Passing score on a state-approved paraprofessional assessment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with children, particularly students with disabilities.
• PCA certification.
• Comfort supporting students with personal care and medical needs, with training.
• Demonstrated ability to follow written plans, schedules, and protocols with accuracy.
• Strong attention to detail and reliability.

Core Competencies

• Trustworthiness, responsibility, and sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow written plans, schedules, and procedures with fidelity.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data collection and documentation.
• Commitment to Prodeo Academy's mission and values.
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Cultural responsiveness and respect for diverse backgrounds.
• Professionalism, reliability, and willingness to learn.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and move throughout the school day.
• Ability to sit and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 lbs (or more with assistance or adaptive equipment).
• Ability to assist students with mobility, positioning, and personal care needs.
• Ability to respond to student safety situations as required.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a school/classroom environment with typical levels of noise and activity.
• Exposure to students with varying academic, behavioral, emotional, and medical needs.
• Frequent exposure to bodily fluids may occur as part of personal care responsibilities.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required.
• The role may require movement between classrooms, buildings, or school sites.

Compensation

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Prodeo Academy's total rewards program includes:

• Comprehensive healthcare options (Medical, Dental, and Vision).
• Retirement planning through TRA/PERA and optional 403(b) plans. Generous paid time off, federal holidays, and academic breaks.
• Tuition assistance and