Position ~ Special Education Paraeducator ~ 8 Hour
Location: Dexter Early Elementary Complex (May be required to support additional buildings or programs as needed to meet student or administrative needs).
Internal Posting: August 3, 2026
Internal Closing: August 11, 2026
General Closing Date: August
Position Summary:
Working in collaboration with the instructional team, a paraeducator supports students with disabilities with academic instruction, physical activities, life skills, and personal care needs. The special education paraeducator assists the teacher with daily classroom activities, supports students’ physical and emotional health and safety, builds upon student strengths, and promotes independence and self-advocacy skills. Paraeducators are visible and vital members of the school community.
In addition to supporting students during the school day, this position includes working with Community Education’s After Care program each day. The paraeducator provides supervision, support, and engaging activities for students in a safe and welcoming environment before and/or after the regular school day.
Days/Hours:
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8.00 hours/unpaid 35-minute lunch period
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Daily hours (not to exceed 8) may range from 6:45am to 6:00pm.
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This position includes daily responsibilities in the Community Education After Care program
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Working days (not to exceed 203) will be determined based on school and community education calendar
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Eligible for Medical/Health benefit plans through the Health Plan Purchasing Consortium
Compensation:
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$17.62 per hour or applicable step of the current DESPA Salary Schedule.
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Paid Leave Days
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Pension plan through Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS)
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Retirement Savings Plans 403B and 457 Retirement Plans
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Medical Benefits
Essential Job Functions:
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Assists student(s) with disabilities according to the supports outlined in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as it pertains to academics, behavior, related services (Speech, OT/PT, etc.), and physical hygiene.
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Function under the direct supervision of a general or special education professional.
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Assists instructional team with the development of work assignments, job responsibilities and services to student(s) with disabilities.
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Assists the instructional team in the implementation of personal care, instructional programs and the management of student behavior.
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Provides daily supervision and support for students participating in the Community Education After Care program, including facilitating activities, maintaining a safe environment, and supporting positive student interactions.
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Maintains student confidentiality.
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Assists in administering assessments as needed.
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Supports the implementation of planned lessons.
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Manages both behavioral and instructional logs.
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Monitors established goals and objectives for students and communicates student progress.
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May supervise groups of students in Before Care, Camp Dexter, during Teacher Professional Development Days, or during school closures.
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Bending, lifting and overhead work required.
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Reliable attendance and punctuality are required for the assignment.
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Event set-up and/or clean-up may be required.
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Other tasks as assigned.
Qualifications:
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Candidates must possess a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
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Demonstrated ability to work with parents, students, and staff.
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A criminal background check through LARA is required. Applicants who have not yet received LARA approval may be considered if they are willing to initiate and complete the required process.
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Computer skills necessary.
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Good communication and organizational skills.
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Ability to be self-directed and ability to identify and solve problems.
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Consistent and prompt attendance is important for the position and is expected.
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Familiar with various stages of child development of school-age children.
Method of Application
Internal candidates - Must submit a letter of interest to Brooke Stidham at [email protected], Allison Bradley at [email protected], and Barb Leonard at [email protected] by 4:00 PM on the internal closing date.
External candidates - Must complete the online application located on the Dexter Community Schools website.
NOTE: This position will be posted internally and externally at the same time. No external candidates will be considered until all internal obligations have been met.
The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its educational programs and activities, including employment opportunities.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
