Paraprofessional Job Description

Employment Type: Full-time | Nonexempt

Reports To: Site Administrator

Mission: The mission of our program is to provide our students with a high quality of education that offers instruction in both academic and social/emotional realms. The purpose of the academy is to provide students with social/emotional/behavioral issues a state-of-the-art therapeutic day program. Through hands-on instructional experiences, as well as a therapeutic approach in art, music, and movement, the program is designated to meet all of the needs of this diverse student population.

Job Summary: Paraprofessionals provide essential support to certified teachers and clinicians by assisting in the implementation of curriculum, individualized education plans, and behavior plans for students. They help create a safe, structured, and supportive classroom environment, manage crises using de-escalation techniques, and support students in both academic and social-emotional growth. Working closely with a multidisciplinary team, paraprofessionals reinforce lesson content, model appropriate behaviors, and assist with daily routines to promote student success and independence.

Essential functions of the job may include but are not limited to the following:

• Help develop knowledge and skills, nurture the confidence and character, and meet the needs of all students by using Connect Academy instructional models, strategies, and curriculum under the guidance of the teaching professional.
• Assist students with educational and emotional related needs..
• Supervise small group and individual student learning activities in the classroom and therapeutic settings.
• Support the implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and consistently apply de-escalation techniques, behavior strategies, and reinforcement systems under staff direction.
• Assist the teacher in applying remediation for diagnosed learning problems and help students during testing and assessment activities.
• Apply intervention and prevention strategies to facilitate student engagement, self-regulation, and achievement.
• Tutor individual students or small groups as directed.
• Collect and record academic, behavioral, and social-emotional data to monitor progress toward IEP and behavior goals, under the direction of the teaching professional.
• Collaborate and consult with the teacher, related service providers, and administrative team on instructional approaches, student regulation strategies, and classroom management techniques.
• Maintain student safety at all times, including during transitions, breaks, and potential behavioral escalations; participate in physical management procedures (such as CPI holds) when trained and necessary.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with students while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Participate in regular staff meetings, training, and professional development focused on trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and special education best practices.
• Perform clerical work relevant to assigned students as requested by the supervising teacher or administrator.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Match
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off

License/Certification:

Illinois State Board of Education Paraprofessional License (Required)

Other Requirements:

Background Check, Physical Exam