Special Education Paraprofessional

Santa Fe South El Camino Elementary | Santa Fe South Schools
Oklahoma City, OK | 2026-2027 School Year

About Santa Fe South & El Camino Elementary

Santa Fe South Charter Schools (SFS) is a free, public charter school district serving the south side of Oklahoma City. Grounded in a deep commitment to students and community, SFS exists to ensure that every student experiences a learning environment that is supportive, challenging, and academically rigorous.

In the 2026–2027 school year, Santa Fe South proudly continues the growth of El Camino Elementary, our sixth elementary campus. After opening its doors in its inaugural year with Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade, El Camino is now expanding to include 2nd grade and adding one additional teaching position at each existing grade level. The school will continue to grow annually, adding one grade per year until it reaches 5th grade.

El Camino Elementary is a mission-driven Santa Fe South campus committed to academic excellence, strong instructional systems, and a culture of growth and development for students and teachers alike. Opened in the 2025–2026 school year, El Camino was intentionally designed to ensure all students receive high-quality instruction and are held to high academic expectations. Now in a phase of continued growth and expansion, El Camino is building on its early momentum by strengthening schoolwide systems, deepening collaboration among staff, and investing in roles that directly impact student achievement. The campus is defined by a collective commitment to excellence, where educators take shared responsibility for student outcomes, use data to drive decisions, and continuously refine practice in service of student learning.

The Special Education Paraprofessional assists students with disabilities under the direction of a certified special education teacher. Paraprofessionals may work in both general and special education classroom settings and support students throughout the school day.

This role includes assisting with instructional activities, supporting the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), helping students develop independence and social skills, and ensuring the physical and emotional safety of students. Special education paraprofessionals play a critical role in promoting dignity, inclusion, and meaningful participation for all students.

Essential Responsibilities

Student Support and Instruction

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction of special and general education teachers and related service staff
• Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and monitor student progress through data collection
• Provide support for individual students or small groups inside and outside the classroom to enable full participation in learning activities
• Assist teachers with daily classroom activities and instructional programs

Behavioral and Personal Support

• Support students who may require behavioral assistance and document incidents or progress when requested
• Assist students with personal care needs as necessary, including lifting, feeding, toileting, and hygiene support
• Promote student independence and self-advocacy skills to improve long-term outcomes

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with teachers, therapists, and other school staff to support student needs
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate a high level of ethical behavior regarding student information
• Participate in staff meetings, team meetings, and professional development opportunities
• Model appropriate social behavior, conversation, and interactions for students
• Demonstrate professionalism in communication, dress, punctuality, and attendance
• Follow all health and safety procedures and proactively support a safe learning environment
• Support the mission and values of Santa Fe South Charter Schools
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Physical and Professional Expectations

• Be capable of physically assisting students with disabilities when required, including positioning, lifting, transferring, or restraining when appropriate and trained
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively and cooperatively under the direction of teachers and school leadership
• Be willing to learn and assist with adaptive equipment and assistive technology as needed

Qualifications

• High school diploma required
• Must meet the requirements for Special Education Paraprofessionals under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, including one of the following:
• Completion of at least 48 semester hours of college coursework OR
• Associate’s degree (or higher) OR
• Passing score on the WorkKeys Test, ParaPro Assessment, or Oklahoma General Education Test

Required Training (may be completed after hire):

• Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Training
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens Training
• Annual professional development including at least 6 hours of training and updated Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens training

Salary and Benefits

• Starting salary: $25,080 annually (190-day contract, no prior experience)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance provided for contracted employees
• 401(k) with 7% contribution after six months of employment
• 10 days of paid time off