Special Needs Instructional Aide

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Special Needs Instructional Aide supports students with identified learning, developmental, behavioral, communication, physical, or social-emotional needs in a safe, caring, and Christ-centered private-school environment. Working under the direction of the classroom teacher and school administration, the aide helps students access instruction, participate in classroom routines, develop independence, and grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

This position does not replace the role of a licensed special education teacher, therapist, or medical professional. The aide carries out assigned supports and accommodations while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Essential Responsibilities

Provide individual or small-group academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support as directed by the classroom teacher or administrator.

Assist students in following classroom routines, transitions, schedules, directions, and school expectations.

Support the implementation of teacher-developed learning activities, interventions, accommodations, and behavior-support strategies.

Reinforce academic concepts and skills through guided practice, repetition, modeling, and encouragement.

Help students develop independence in organization, task completion, communication, self-regulation, and appropriate peer interaction.

Provide supervision and assistance during classroom activities, arrival and dismissal, lunch, recess, chapel, field trips, and other school functions as assigned.

Observe student progress and communicate relevant academic, behavioral, and social observations to the classroom teacher and administrator.

Maintain brief, objective documentation of student support, progress, incidents, or concerns when requested.

Use positive, respectful, and age-appropriate behavior-management techniques consistent with school policies and the teacher’s direction.

Assist with personal-care needs only as specifically assigned, trained, and permitted by school policy.

Support a calm, orderly, inclusive, and safe learning environment for all students.

Maintain student confidentiality and handle educational, behavioral, health, and family information with discretion.

Communicate professionally and respectfully with teachers, staff members, students, and families; parent communication should occur only as directed by the classroom teacher or administrator.

Participate in staff meetings, training, professional development, safety drills, and school events as required.

Uphold the school’s Christian mission, statement of faith, policies, and standards of professional conduct.

Qualifications

A personal commitment to Jesus Christ and willingness to support the Christian mission and values of the school.

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or coursework in education, child development, psychology, behavioral support, or a related field preferred.

Experience working with children, particularly children with learning differences, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, communication needs, or behavioral needs, preferred.

Ability to follow instructional and behavioral directions consistently and work collaboratively with teachers and administrators.

Demonstrated patience, empathy, dependability, sound judgment, and emotional maturity.

Strong communication, observation, organization, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding students and families.

Ability to complete required background checks, child-protection training, and any school-required health or safety training.

CPR/First Aid certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification, if required by the school.

Physical Requirements

Ability to move throughout classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and other school areas throughout the day.

Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and assist young children with routine classroom activities.

Ability to supervise students actively during indoor and outdoor activities.

Ability to lift or assist with materials and, when assigned and trained, provide appropriate physical support to students consistent with school policy and individual student needs.

Work Environment

The Special Needs Instructional Aide works primarily in classrooms and may also provide support in small-group settings, hallways, playgrounds, lunch areas, chapel, and during school events. The role requires flexibility, close supervision of children, and the ability to respond calmly and appropriately to changing student needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Highway Christian Academy is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and Christ-centered work environment. Employment decisions are made in accordance with the school’s mission, applicable law, and established school policies.

This job description describes the general nature of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be modified based on student needs and school operations.

Highway Christian Academy is a small growing school with the purpose of providing a solid academic education from a Christian perspective. Our educational program is designed to minister to families. We do that by providing an education based on Biblical principles

Company Description

Highway Christian Academy is a small growing school with the purpose of providing a solid academic education from a Christian perspective. Our educational program is designed to minister to families. We do that by providing an education based on Biblical principles