Denver Public Schools·Denver, Colorado
The paraprofessional supports the educational, behavioral, and daily living needs of elementary students with disabilities in various classroom settings. Responsibilities include assisting with lesson plans, conducting assessments, and providing personal care such as feeding and hygiene.
**Applications for this position must be submitted by August 17, 2026 to ensure full consideration. If a candidate is not identified through our initial review process, we will continue to review applications received after this date. Even if this specific position is filled, we may consider your application for other exciting opportunities with DPS. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting our job board at careers.dpsk12.org [http://careers.dpsk12.org/].**
The MIA Special Education Elementary Paraprofessional supports the educational, behavioral, social-emotional, physical and daily living needs of elementary students with disabilities in integrated, resource, self-contained, and community settings.
A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
Salary
Range: New hires will be set at $22.824 per hour. The salary range for internal candidates is $22.824 to $27.275 per hour. For detailed compensation information, view the Para Salary Schedule [https://aptg.co/lnn26P]. The salary listed reflects the 2025–2026 school year. Salaries for the 2026–2027 school year are typically finalized and released mid-summer, with an effective date of August 1. If any updates or adjustments are made once the new salary schedule is finalized, all impacted individuals will receive the updated salary.
In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off [https://hr.dpsk12.org/o/financialservices/page/payroll], health and wellness benefits [https://issuu.com/dpscommunications/docs/benefits_enrollment_2025-2026] - English Version or Health and Wellness Benefits [https://issuu.com/dpscommunications/docs/benefits_enrollment_2025-26_spanish_] - Spanish Version , and PERA Retirement [https://hr.dpsk12.org/o/careers/page/new-employees]. For additional information visit our New Employee Resources [https://hr.dpsk12.org/o/careers/page/new-employees] page.
This position is represented by an employee association (bargaining unit). Please see the Employee Associations Page [https://hr.dpsk12.org/o/talent/page/employee-associations] for the current master agreement and important documents associated with your bargaining unit.
Assists in conducting testing and assessment, multi-media activities, general office and clerical tasks, record-keeping, computer operation, discipline, and other activities.
Provides daily living procedures such as toileting, diapering, feeding, and personal hygiene as trained.
May provide medically invasive (e.g., tube feeding, catheterization, suctioning) following universal precautions and as trained and directed.
May need to provide transportation assistance by driving an activity bus.
Lifts and transports students using appropriate equipment and technique according to District training.
Assists and supports the development of lesson plans and provides feedback to teacher(s)/supervisor(s) on individual students.
Communicates and coordinates with students and parents about routine educational issues.
To see what qualifications are acceptable for this role, please refer to this paraprofessional qualifications guide. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KhyQGYJkmuqbAbJMJLbXOk7BDX2sgW56/view?usp=sharing]
Must pass District approved written and physical exams covering de-escalation and physical restraint training, on an annual basis; Specialized training in invasive procedures, such as, tube feeding, and catheterization will be provided, as assignment requires; Required training must be completed within 75 days of initial hire; If transporting students, must have valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and meet District insurability requirements.
Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands [https://financialservices.dpsk12.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/Special_Education.pdf]of the position.
Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.
Students First . Integrity . Equity. Collaboration . Accountability . Fun
Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.
DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.
Candidates must pass district-approved written and physical exams, including de-escalation and restraint training. Applicants are required to live in Colorado and must be able to meet the physical demands of the position.
Market context
In Colorado, teaching assistant openings are often driven by classroom support needs, student services, and school staffing cycles. These roles can be competitive because employers may look for reliability, a high school diploma or equivalent, Safe Environment compliance, and respect for the Catholic faith. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your credentials and readiness to meet any school-specific compliance steps before applying.