Education Assistant

Description

Job Purpose

The Classroom Education Assistant (Paraprofessional) supports students with disabilities in achieving their educational behavioral social-emotional and functional goals within a special education classroom. Working under the direction of a licensed Special Education Teacher the Classroom Education Assistant implements instructional activities reinforces Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals provides behavioral support assists with daily living skills as needed and helps create a safe structured and positive learning environment that promotes student independence and success.

Essential Functions

Student Instruction & Academic Support

• Assist in implementing instructional activities developed by the Special Education Teacher.
• Provide one-on-one and small group instructional support to reinforce academic concepts.
• Adapt instructional materials and learning activities to meet individual student needs.
• Support students in completing assignments while encouraging independence.
• Reinforce IEP goals through daily classroom activities

Behavioral Support

• Implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and positive behavior support strategies.
• Utilize trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches to support student success.
• Model appropriate social skills emotional regulation and problem-solving techniques.
• Assist in de-escalating challenging behaviors using approved intervention techniques.
• Maintain consistent classroom routines and expectations.

Classroom Environment

• Help maintain a safe organized and engaging classroom environment.
• Prepare instructional materials and classroom resources.
• Supervise students during classroom transitions recess lunch field trips and community-based instruction.
• Assist with classroom organization inventory and cleanliness.
• Support implementation of classroom schedules and routines.

Documentation & Communication

• Collect and record data related to student progress toward IEP goals.
• Document behavioral incidents interventions and student participation.
• Communicate relevant observations to the supervising teacher.
• Maintain confidentiality of all student records and information in accordance with FERPA HIPAA (when applicable) and organizational policies.

Safety

• Maintain constant awareness of student safety.
• Follow emergency procedures and crisis response protocols.
• Maintain certification in required crisis prevention and intervention techniques.
• Report accidents injuries or safety concerns immediately.

Job Responsibilities

• Maintain current knowledge of special education best practices instructional strategies trauma-informed care behavioral interventions and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Participate in required professional development trainings certifications and continuing education.
• Build collaborative relationships with teachers therapists administrators families and community partners to support student success.
• Demonstrate professionalism integrity and accountability while representing the organizations mission and values.
• Contribute positively to departmental and organizational initiatives through teamwork flexibility problem-solving and continuous quality improvement.
• Maintain all required certifications licenses and mandatory training necessary for the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support students the educational program and organizational operations.

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree completion of an approved paraprofessional program or ability to meet state paraprofessional requirements preferred.

Experience:

• Experience working with children or adolescents with disabilities preferred.
• Experience in educational behavioral health residential or human services settings preferred.
• Valid drivers license.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to establish positive respectful relationships with students who have diverse learning behavioral emotional and developmental needs.
• Understanding of child development and special education practices.
• Ability to implement teacher-directed instructional and behavioral interventions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong observation and documentation skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during challenging situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and professional boundaries.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and communication.
• Ability to organize work and manage multiple priorities.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently stand walk bend kneel crouch and reach.
• Lift transfer or assist students weighing up to 50 pounds independently.
• Ability to physically intervene using approved crisis intervention techniques when necessary.
• Ability to supervise students in classrooms playgrounds community settings and during transportation.
• Visual auditory and physical ability to monitor student safety throughout the school day.

Working Conditions:

• Special education classroom and school environment.
• Frequent interaction with students exhibiting emotional behavioral developmental and physical disabilities.
• Exposure to loud noise occasional aggressive behaviors bodily fluids and outdoor weather conditions.

Required Experience:

Junior IC