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
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Assist in implementing instructional activities developed by the Special Education Teacher.
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Provide one-on-one and small group instructional support to reinforce academic concepts.
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Adapt instructional materials and learning activities to meet individual student needs.
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Support students in completing assignments while encouraging independence.
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Reinforce IEP goals through daily classroom activities
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Implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and positive behavior support strategies.
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Utilize trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches to support student success.
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Model appropriate social skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving techniques.
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Assist in de-escalating challenging behaviors using approved intervention techniques.
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Maintain consistent classroom routines and expectations.
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Help maintain a safe, organized, and engaging classroom environment.
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Prepare instructional materials and classroom resources.
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Supervise students during classroom transitions, recess, lunch, field trips, and community-based instruction.
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Assist with classroom organization, inventory, and cleanliness.
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Support implementation of classroom schedules and routines.
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Collect and record data related to student progress toward IEP goals.
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Document behavioral incidents, interventions, and student participation.
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Communicate relevant observations to the supervising teacher.
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Maintain confidentiality of all student records and information in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA (when applicable), and organizational policies.
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Maintain constant awareness of student safety.
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Follow emergency procedures and crisis response protocols.
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Maintain certification in required crisis prevention and intervention techniques.
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Report accidents, injuries, or safety concerns immediately.
Job Responsibilities
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Maintain current knowledge of special education best practices, instructional strategies, trauma-informed care, behavioral interventions, and applicable state and federal regulations.
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Participate in required professional development, trainings, certifications, and continuing education.
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Build collaborative relationships with teachers, therapists, administrators, families, and community partners to support student success.
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Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability while representing the organization's mission and values.
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Contribute positively to departmental and organizational initiatives through teamwork, flexibility, problem-solving, and continuous quality improvement.
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Maintain all required certifications, licenses, and mandatory training necessary for the position.
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Perform other duties as assigned to support students, the educational program, and organizational operations.
Qualifications
Education:
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High school diploma or equivalent required.
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Associate degree, completion of an approved paraprofessional program, or ability to meet state paraprofessional requirements preferred.
Experience:
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Experience working with children or adolescents with disabilities preferred.
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Experience in educational, behavioral health, residential, or human services settings preferred.
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Valid driver's license.
Knowledge and Skills:
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Ability to establish positive, respectful relationships with students who have diverse learning, behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs.
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Understanding of child development and special education practices.
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Ability to implement teacher-directed instructional and behavioral interventions.
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Effective verbal and written communication skills.
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Strong observation and documentation skills.
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Ability to remain calm and professional during challenging situations.
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Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
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Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and professional boundaries.
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Basic computer skills for documentation and communication.
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Ability to organize work and manage multiple priorities.
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Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach.
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Lift, transfer, or assist students weighing up to 50 pounds independently.
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Ability to physically intervene using approved crisis intervention techniques when necessary.
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Ability to supervise students in classrooms, playgrounds, community settings, and during transportation.
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Visual, auditory, and physical ability to monitor student safety throughout the school day.
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Special education classroom and school environment.
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Frequent interaction with students exhibiting emotional, behavioral, developmental, and physical disabilities.
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Exposure to loud noise, occasional aggressive behaviors, bodily fluids, and outdoor weather conditions.
