Special Education Paraprofessional – Self-Contained / Life Skills

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School.

GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programs — part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success.

Why Work at GCCS

Students & Families:
Our teachers form strong relationships with students and families through a community-driven approach. The connection between our schools and Guadalupe Centers’ historic mission fosters trust and collaboration that support student success.

Staff Autonomy:
GCCS teachers are empowered to innovate. We value professional judgment and encourage creative, research-based classroom practices that cater to the diverse needs of learners.

Coaching & Development:
Each staff member collaborates with their instructional coach and building leadership to set annual professional growth goals aligned to district priorities. Our development model focuses on reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Competitive Benefits:

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level
• Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires)
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy)
• Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs
• 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff)
• Perfect attendance incentive program (up to $1,600 annually)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage 

Reports To: Building Principal and/or Director of Special Education

Summary

The Special Education Paraprofessional – Self-Contained supports students with significant cognitive, adaptive, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities within a self-contained life skills classroom. Under the direction of a certified Special Education Teacher, the paraprofessional assists in implementing individualized instruction, behavior supports, and personal care to help students develop functional academic skills, communication, independence, social-emotional skills, and activities of daily living.

This position serves students who require intensive, ongoing supports and accommodations and who may have complex medical, behavioral, or adaptive needs that limit participation in general education settings without substantial modifications.

Essential Functions

Instruction & Program Development

• Develops and implements individualized, standards-referenced, and functional life skills instruction aligned with IEP goals, Missouri Learning Standards–Extended, and transition readiness expectations as appropriate.
• Provides direct instruction in functional academics, communication, social skills, self-regulation, vocational readiness, and activities of daily living (e.g., hygiene, toileting, feeding, mobility, organization).
• Adapts and differentiates curriculum, materials, and instructional strategies to meet diverse learning, sensory, and communication needs.
• Utilizes evidence-based instructional practices, data-driven decision making, and positive behavior supports.

Assessment & Progress Monitoring

• Administers and interprets formal and informal assessments to determine present levels of performance and instructional needs.
• Collects, analyzes, and documents data on academic, behavioral, adaptive, and functional goals to monitor progress and guide instruction.
• Prepares progress reports and contributes required documentation for IEP meetings, evaluations, and compliance monitoring.

Behavior & Student Support

• Implements Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and de-escalation strategies consistent with trauma-informed and restorative practices.
• Maintains a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment that promotes dignity, independence, and inclusion.
• Provides physical management and crisis intervention only when required to ensure student and staff safety, following district and state guidelines.

Health, Safety & Personal Care

• Supports students with personal care and medical needs (e.g., toileting, diapering, feeding, mobility assistance) in accordance with training, care plans, and health protocols.
• Responds appropriately to medical or safety emergencies and follows established reporting and documentation procedures.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborates closely with paraprofessionals, related service providers (speech, OT, PT, counseling), general education staff, and administrators to support student success.
• Directs and supervises paraprofessionals to ensure consistent implementation of instruction, behavior supports, and student care.
• Communicates regularly and respectfully with parents/guardians regarding student progress, needs, and strategies to support learning at home.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintains accurate, confidential records including IEPs, service logs, behavior data, medical logs, and attendance.
• Participates in IEP meetings, staff meetings, professional development, and required training.
• Complies with all state and federal special education laws, charter school policies, and ethical standards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the mission of Guadalupe Center Charter School.

Job Requirements

Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Valid Missouri Special Education teaching certification (or ability to obtain appropriate certification).
• Completion of required background checks and clearances.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of special education law (IDEA), IEP development, and compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of life skills instruction, functional academics, adaptive behavior, and transition planning.
• Ability to manage a self-contained classroom with students who have intensive needs.
• Skills in behavior management, data collection, collaboration, and communication.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate patience and professionalism, and adapt to changing student needs.
• Proficiency with educational technology, data systems, and standard office software.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is performed primarily in a self-contained classroom and school community settings.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, and movement; occasional lifting, transferring, or assisting students with mobility.
• May involve exposure to behaviors that present a risk of injury and require adherence to safety protocols.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the school day.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as needed.
• Ability to access and navigate all areas of the school and related facilities.

Application Process: 

Please complete an application, which may be found at www.gck12.org/o/gc/page/work-for-gccs. If a position requires a degree, please upload a copy of your transcripts and/or degree certification to your application. Other attachments, such as a cover letter or resume, can also be uploaded and attached to the application.

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools complies with all applicable laws, statutes, and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.