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STRIDE Academy in St. Cloud, MN, stands out as a K-8 public charter school with a strong focus on the whole child, celebrated for fostering academic excellence and a nurturing learning environment. Our mission emphasizes individualized learning and innovative teaching, preparing students for future success. Notable for our community involvement and award-winning programs, STRIDE offers a unique, supportive educational experience that cultivates curiosity and character development, making a significant impact on our students and the wider community. POSITION DETAILS Grade: 5th Grade Start Date: 2026-2027 Full Time FTE: .75 - 1.0 ROLE OBJECTIVES The Special Education Paraprofessional provides direct instructional, behavioral, physical, and personal care support to one or more students with disabilities under the direction of a special education teacher, g eneral education teacher, or related service provider. Depending on student needs and assigned responsibilities, the paraprofessional may serve as a one-on-one paraprofessional, providing individualized support throughout the school day. This may include assisting students with academic and basic skills, social and communication skills, behavior regulation, daily routines, personal care, toileting and hygiene, medical needs, and mobility. The paraprofessional works to promote student safety, participation, independence, and access to the educational environment while implementing supports established by the student''s educational team. REQUIREMENTS Educational Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent. Skills and Competencies: Must meet Minnesota''s requirements for Highly Qualified paraprofessional status or be able to achieve Highly Qualified status within 60 days of hire. STRIDE Academy is willing to provide training and support to help candidates successfully complete the requirements needed to achieve Highly Qualified status. Candidates must be able and willing to provide individualized support to students with a wide range of academic, behavioral, physical, and personal care needs. Depending on assignment, the position may require assisting with toileting, hygiene, mobility, feeding, medical or health-related needs, and the management of significant or extreme behaviors. For additional information regarding Minnesota paraprofessional requirements, visit the Minnesota Department of Education . KEY DUTIES Specific responsibilities will vary depending on student needs, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), a ssigned classroom or program, and direction from licensed staff. Responsibilities may include: Provide individual or one-on-one support to assigned student(s) throughout the school day, as determined by student needs and the educational team. Assist student(s) with special needs with instruction in basic academic, functional, communication, and social skills. Reinforce learning individually or in small groups using instructional activities and programs designed by licensed staff. Assist students in completing classroom activities, assignments, independent work, and other instructional tasks. Implement accommodations, modifications, behavioral supports, and other strategies as directed by the student''s IEP and educational team. Support students in developing independence, self-regulation, communication, social interaction, and appropriate school routines. Provide individualized support for students who experience significant or extreme behaviors, including implementing established behavior intervention, redirection, de-escalation, and safety procedures. Assist licensed staff in responding to behavioral crises and maintaining the safety of the student, peers, and staff. Observe, document, and communicate information regarding student academic progress, behavior, skills, and needs as directed by licensed staff. Provide routine personal care assistance, which may include toileting, diapering, hygiene, dressing, feeding, and other activities of daily living based on individual student needs. Assist students with mobility and physical needs, including positioning, transfers, use of adaptive equipment, and movement throughout the school environment, when trained and assigned. Provide support for student medical or health-related needs as directed and after receiving required training. Maintain student dignity, privacy, confidentiality, and safety when providing behavioral, physical, medical, or personal care assistance. Assist students with transitions between classrooms, activities, transportation, and other school environments. Supervise and support students in classrooms, hallways, lunchrooms, playgrounds, field trips, and other school activities. Assist in the preparation and organization of instructional and adaptive materials. Collaborate with special education teachers, general education teachers, related service providers, and other members of the student''s educational team. Participate in required training related to the needs of assigned students, which may include behavior intervention and de-escalation, personal care, medical procedures, mobility assistance, or other specialized supports. Perform other duties consistent with the position and student needs as assigned. BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION Pay Range: Starting rate of $17/hr or higher based on experience. $2.00 hourly differential for Highly Qualified applicants. Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and professional development opportunities APPLICATION PROCESS Application Materials: Submit a resume, cover letter, references, and complete online application. Application Deadline: Until Filled Contact Information: Niki Krier, Director of Special Education, nkrier@strideacademy.org Apply here: https://www.strideacademy.org/employment EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT STRIDE Academy is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. CALL TO ACTION Join our dedicated team at STRIDE Academy and make a difference in the lives of our students. Apply today to contribute to our vibrant learning community where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!