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Edina Public Schools
Position Description
Section I: General Information
Position Title:
Educational Associate - Special Education
Department:
Student Support Services
Immediate Supervisor:
Principal, Director and Assistant Directors of
Student Support Services
FLSA Status: Classification Level:
Non-Exempt
Position Summary:
With the focus to support and advance the Edina Public Schools' mission, vision, and core values, the
Educational Associate for Special Education assists teachers and supports students with academic,
social, motor, behavioral, health, life skills, and other functional tasks. Educational Associates for
Special Education work one-on-one and with small groups of students in the areas of instructional
reinforcement and student support and learning assistance.
Section II: Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Supports students' academic success by reinforcing and/or adapting instructional subjects, concepts, and
lessons delivered by licensed instructional staff. Provides assistance with daily classroom tasks and
duties.
- Provides students in small groups or on a one-on-one basis with general support, supervision, and
assistance on playgrounds, in the lunchroom, at assemblies, in the swimming pool, and on field
trips.
- Assists in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) as directed by the teacher/case
manager, or supervisor.
- Adapts learning materials for students as directed. Prepares and obtains supplementary and
resource materials to support instruction.
- Assists students in using instructional materials and equipment including computer resources and
audio/visual equipment.
- Collects and compiles data on academic progress, social behaviors, and adaptive skills. Maintains
data collection records under the direction of the teacher/case manager.
- Maintains confidentiality of student educational records as required by district policy and state
and federal law.
Supervises students and provides general assistance as needed to ensure safety and provide personal
care and comfort.
- Guides students in developing and nourishing positive self-concept through active listening and
providing accurate, positive, and constructive feedback.
- Assists students with mobility, including moving, positioning, and lifting students, as needed and
as directed by the physical therapist, occupational therapist, or other special education or related
service provider.
- Provides assistance to students in daily life skills, hygiene and toileting needs.
- Performs basic health needs such as catheterization and suctioning when required to support the
student and under the direction and supervision of the Licensed School Nurse.
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- Assists students with transportation needs including communicating with drivers and assisting
with boarding, as requested.
- Responds appropriately to student needs and behavior.
Monitors, assesses, and supervises student behaviors to ensure behavioral management consistent with
student IEPs or to reinforce appropriate behavior and learning within the classroom or other settings.
- Implements appropriate consequences for inappropriate behavior consistent with district
philosophy, rules, and/or individual behavior plans.
- Instructs, models, and reinforces appropriate peer and other social interactions.
Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required.
- Attends training sessions, conferences, seminars, and district/departmental meetings as required.
- Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends, and technologies.
- Attends work regularly and punctually.
Section III: Essential Skills Required to Perform Position Duties
- Establishing and maintaining professional and courteous working relationships with staff,
administrators, students, parents and guardians.
- Ensuring the use of culturally competent school system practices to meet the needs of each and
every student.
- Supervising student behavior and responding consistently to appropriate and inappropriate
behavior.
- Reading and interpreting documents, administrative policies, manuals, department guidelines,
and operational procedures.
- Taking instruction and direction from licensed and administrative personnel and following
classroom/program routines.
- Learning and applying academic materials needed for the reinforcement of class information or
for tutoring students.
- Interacting with students and serving as a role model for learning and behaviors.
- Responding to student conflict and behavioral issues consistently and in accordance with district
guidelines, disciplinary principles, and/or individual student plans.
- Promoting and reinforcing the acquisition or application of basic living skills or responses to
health needs.
- Communicating effectively and following instructions.
Section IV: Minimum Work Requirements
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum education and experience required
for the position.
At least two (2) years of study at an institution of
higher education (a minimum of sixty (60)
semester credits), or a passing score on the
ParaPro assessment.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: No specific licenses or certification required upon
hire.
Section V: Supervision Requirements
Title of Position Directly Supervised Number of Employees
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Total 0
Section VI: Physical Position Requirements
Physical Activities
Amount of
Time Spent
None
33%
Occasionally
34-67%
Frequently
68-100%
Continuously
Physical
Lift, Carry,
Exert
None
33%
Occasionally
34-67%
Frequently
68-100%
Continuously
Stand x Up to 10
pounds
x
Walk x Up to 25
pounds
x
Sit x Up to 50
pounds
x
Use
hands
to
finger,
handle
or feel
x Up to 75
pounds
x
Reach with
hands and
arms
x Up to 100
pounds
x
Climb or
balance
x
Stoop, kneel,
crouch or
crawl
x
Talk or hear X
Taste or
smell
x
Classification History: Job description updated by ISD 273 Human Resources 5.2024.