Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District
📍 Yucaipa, California

Job Title: Paraprofessional – Special Education

Supervisor: Principal (or designee)
Salary Range: Classified Salary Schedule, Range 14
Work Year: Varies by Assignment

Position Overview

The Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Paraprofessional – Special Education to support students in achieving their academic and personal growth goals. Working under the direction of a certificated teacher, the Paraprofessional provides individualized instructional, behavioral, and classroom support to students with diverse learning needs.

This is a meaningful opportunity for someone who is patient, adaptable, and passionate about making a difference in the lives of students.

Key Responsibilities

• Adapt classroom activities, materials, and assignments to meet the individual needs of students with special needs.
• Assist teachers (special education and/or general education) in monitoring and evaluating student progress toward Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.
• Provide instructional support to students individually or in small groups, reinforcing academic and behavioral goals.
• Administer assessments under teacher direction to help evaluate student progress.
• Help maintain a safe, positive, and organized learning environment.
• Supervise and assist students in various settings, including classrooms, playgrounds, lunch areas, and field trips, ensuring safety and inclusion.
• Support students with behavioral or emotional needs by implementing behavior intervention plans as directed by the teacher or IEP team.
• Assist in preparing, organizing, and maintaining instructional materials and student records.
• Perform clerical and classroom support tasks such as correcting assignments, preparing lesson materials, entering grades, and recording progress.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to emergency or safety concerns.
• Attend staff meetings and required training sessions as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Child development and the emotional and academic needs of students.
• Basic instructional methods and classroom support strategies.
• Core academic subjects taught at the elementary and/or secondary level.
• Effective methods for motivating and managing students.
• Behavior management strategies for students with diverse needs.
• Proper English usage, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Safe operation of standard classroom and office equipment.

Ability to:

• Follow written and oral directions and apply them effectively.
• Learn and apply a variety of instructional and behavioral support techniques.
• Modify lessons and support methods to meet individual student needs.
• Communicate clearly and professionally in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive student and school information.
• Manage multiple tasks and meet established deadlines.
• Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Remain flexible and adaptable to changing student or classroom needs.
• Operate a computer, email, and related software for instructional and clerical use.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for diverse cultural, socio-economic, and learning backgrounds.
• Maintain reliable, consistent, and punctual attendance.

Employment Standards

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• College-level coursework in child development, special education, or a related field is desirable.

Experience:

• Previous experience (paid or volunteer) working with children of various age levels in an educational setting preferred.

Licenses & Certifications:

• TB test clearance.
• Pre-employment physical and drug screening.
• Criminal Justice fingerprint clearance.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification (required upon hire and maintained throughout employment).

Join Our Team!

This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to change lives. If you are compassionate, dependable, and eager to support students in reaching their full potential, we encourage you to apply and become part of the YCJUSD community.