Paraprofessional

Instructional Support Paraprofessional

The Stepping Stones Group

Make a Difference Every Day

Empowering Students, Enriching Futures!

Are you passionate about supporting students and helping them reach their full potential? The Stepping Stones Group is seeking dedicated Instructional Support Paraprofessionals to join our team for the 2026-2027 school year.

This is more than a job. It's an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students while working alongside educators and support teams in a collaborative school environment. As an Instructional Support Paraprofessional, you'll play a vital role in helping students develop the academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and life skills they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

Whether you're providing one-on-one assistance, supporting small groups, or reinforcing classroom instruction, your work will help create positive outcomes that extend far beyond the school day.

About the Role

As an Instructional Support Paraprofessional, you'll work closely with teachers, special education staff, and other school professionals to support students with diverse learning, developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. Students may require academic assistance, behavioral support, communication support, or help accessing the curriculum through accommodations and instructional strategies.

This role is ideal for compassionate, patient professionals who thrive in educational settings and are committed to helping students build confidence, independence, and success.

Assignment Details

• Full-time opportunities available
• School-based setting
• One-on-one, small-group, and classroom support opportunities
• General education and special education settings
• Assignment responsibilities may vary by district

Qualifications Summary

We are seeking dependable, student-focused professionals who are passionate about supporting learning and growth. Ideal candidates have experience working with children or individuals with special needs, strong communication skills, and the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and school teams. Successful candidates are adaptable, collaborative, and comfortable supporting students with a wide range of academic, behavioral, developmental, and social-emotional needs. Experience as a Paraprofessional, Educator, Instructional Aide, Teacher Assistant, Educational Assistant, Classroom Aide, Behavior Technician, or other student support professional is highly valued.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• IL Para Certification; short-term or long-term cert will be accepted
• Experience working with children, adolescents, or individuals with special needs
• Ability to support students in both individual and group learning environments
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to follow instructional plans, classroom procedures, and behavioral support strategies
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and positive working relationships
• Authorization to work in the United States
• English proficiency

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in education, psychology, child development, or a related field
• School-based or special education experience
• Experience supporting students with disabilities and behavioral needs
• CPR/First Aid and behavior management training

What You'll Do

A typical day may include:

• Provide one-on-one, small-group, and classroom-wide instructional support
• Reinforce teacher-led lessons, instructional activities, and classroom routines
• Assist students with academic tasks, assignments, and skill development activities
• Support implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), accommodations, and classroom modifications as directed
• Help students remain engaged, focused, and actively participating in classroom activities
• Support the development of academic, communication, social-emotional, organizational, and functional life skills
• Utilize positive reinforcement and proactive behavior support strategies to encourage student success
• Implement behavior support plans and intervention strategies under the direction of educational staff
• Monitor student participation, progress, and behavior and communicate observations to the school team
• Assist with preparation of classroom materials, instructional resources, and learning activities
• Support students during transitions, arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, community-based instruction, and extracurricular activities as assigned
• Collaborate with teachers, special education staff, therapists, administrators, and other educational professionals
• Maintain accurate documentation and student records as required by the assignment
• Provide personal care assistance, including support with toileting, feeding, hygiene, mobility, and other daily living activities when required
• Help maintain a safe, structured, positive, and inclusive learning environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain active throughout the school day
• Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, bending, crouching, and repositioning
• Ability to lift, move, or assist with up to 20 pounds safely
• Ability to respond quickly to student needs and classroom situations
• Ability to assist students with mobility and daily living activities when required
• Additional physical requirements may vary based on assignment

Why You'll Love Working With Us

• Health & Wellness Benefits
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for eligible employees
• 401(k) Retirement Plan for eligible employees
• Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Access to Continuing Education Resources
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Responsive and Supportive Leadership
• Meaningful work that directly impacts students and communities

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

Successful Paraprofessionals are patient, dependable, adaptable, and student-focused. They collaborate effectively with school teams, build positive relationships with students, and create supportive learning environments that promote confidence, independence, and success.

About The Stepping Stones Group

At The Stepping Stones Group, we believe every child deserves exceptional support for their academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth. We partner with schools across the country to provide high-quality educational services that help students build confidence, develop new skills, and reach meaningful milestones.

Our team members receive the support, training, and resources needed to thrive professionally while making a difference in the lives of the students and communities they serve.

READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?

Apply today and take the first step toward a rewarding career with The Stepping Stones Group. Together, we can empower students, enrich futures, and make a lasting difference every day.