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Recess Paraprofessional Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Recess Paraprofessional information

What is a recess paraprofessional?

Recess Paraprofessionals are school staff members who supervise and support students during recess periods. Their primary responsibilities include ensuring student safety, promoting positive social interactions, and facilitating inclusive play. They may also help resolve conflicts, enforce school rules, and provide assistance to students with special needs. Recess Paraprofessionals play a vital role in creating a safe and enjoyable environment for children during unstructured playtime.

What challenges do recess paraprofessionals face and how can they be managed?

Recess Paraprofessionals often manage groups of energetic students with varying needs, which can lead to challenges such as resolving conflicts, ensuring safety, and maintaining engagement. Effective communication and proactive supervision are essential skills in this environment. Building positive relationships with students and collaborating closely with teachers and other staff members can help address behavioral issues and foster a safe, inclusive playground. Regular training on conflict resolution and school safety protocols also supports success in this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a recess paraprofessional?

To thrive as a Recess Paraprofessional, you need experience working with children, basic first aid knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with playground safety protocols and incident reporting systems is typically required. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and patience are essential soft skills for guiding children and managing diverse situations during recess. These skills ensure a safe, supportive, and organized environment that promotes positive social interactions and student well-being.

What is the difference between Recess Paraprofessional vs Classroom Paraprofessional?

AspectRecess ParaprofessionalClassroom Paraprofessional
Primary RoleSupervises students during recess and outdoor activitiesAssists in classroom instruction and student support
Work EnvironmentOutdoor playgrounds and schoolyardsClassroom settings and indoor areas
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some districts may require CPR/First AidHigh school diploma; often some coursework or certification in education support
Common UsageUsed in schools to ensure student safety during recessUsed across various classroom activities to support teachers

Recess Paraprofessionals primarily supervise students during outdoor recess, focusing on safety and behavior management. Classroom Paraprofessionals assist teachers with instructional tasks inside the classroom. Both roles support student needs but differ mainly in work environment and specific responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Recess Paraprofessional jobs in Iowa?

For Recess Paraprofessional jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recess Paraprofessional jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Recess Paraprofessional jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Recess Paraprofessional jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Recess Paraprofessional job openings:

Paraprofessional-Elementary

PCM Community Schools

Prairie City, IA โ€ข On-site

$15.96/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Paraprofessional
Date Posted:
5/5/2026
Location:
PCM Elementary School
Date Available:
08/17/2026
PCM Elementary School now has associate openings for the 2026-27 school year.
Reports to - Building Principal, Mandy Shannon
Salary - $15.96/hour
Qualifications and Personal Performance Criteria
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Ability to work with students of all abilities.
  • Ability to accept direction from the special education teacher and administration.
  • Must clear criminal and child abuse background checks.
  • Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Essential Performance Responsibilities
  • Ability to work successfully with students individually or in groups.
  • Under supervision of the special education teacher, works with student(s) to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
  • Ability to follow directions as provided by teaching staff and/or the building principal.
  • Understands the role of adapting instructional activities to assist students; supports students both cognitively and physically in the classroom.
  • Assists in meeting the IEP goals of the student(s) being served.
  • Completes all mandatory yearly training once it has been assigned. (Blood Borne Pathogens, Child/Adult Abuse Training, Diversity Awareness, etc.)
  • Contributes to a culture of "excellence for all".
  • Attends work regularly and on-time.
  • Maintain the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of fully licensed teachers.
  • Participate in in-service training programs, as assigned. Attends all mandatory meetings.
  • Assists with classroom supervision, lunchroom supervision, or other such duties as needed.
  • Performs other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the teacher/principal.

*Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
  • Considerable floor-sitting, bending and lifting, as needed, to work with children.
  • Mobility as required for classroom and playground supervision.
  • Patience as required for working with challenging students.
  • Good health to minimize absenteeism.
  • Dexterity as required for clerical duties.
  • Ability to lift or assist in lifting students who require assistance with basic needs.
  • Duties outside of the classroom as assigned.
  • Recess supervision as assigned.

The PCM Community School District serves the communities of Prairie City, Monroe, and Reasnor. We are located in south central Iowa, within close proximity to the Des Moines Metro area.
PCM is an AA/EEO Employer