Make a Difference Every Day
At The Winston Knolls School, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their fullest potential. As a Classroom Assistant, you will play an essential role in creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment for students with autism and other developmental disabilities. Working alongside experienced educators and specialists, you'll help students build academic, social, communication, and independent living skills while celebrating every milestone along the way.
If you are compassionate, energetic, collaborative, and passionate about helping children succeed, we'd love to have you join our team.
Reports To: Classroom Teacher and Principal
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The Classroom Assistant supports the classroom teacher in implementing individualized educational programming, behavior intervention strategies, and daily living instruction. This role works closely with students in both individual and small-group settings to promote independence, encourage positive behaviors, and help students achieve their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.
This position requires sound judgment, professionalism, flexibility, and a commitment to maintaining student confidentiality while following established school policies and procedures.
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What You'll Do
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Assist teachers in implementing individualized lesson plans aligned with each student's IEP.
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Provide oneonone and smallgroup instructional support.
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Reinforce academic, communication, social, and daily living skills.
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Help create and organize instructional materials and classroom resources.
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Prepare the classroom environment to promote engaging, studentcentered learning.
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Support students in achieving individualized educational and behavioral goals.
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Monitor, document, and communicate student progress related to IEP objectives and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
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Collaborate with teachers and related service providers to support student growth.
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Encourage student independence while reducing reliance on adult support whenever appropriate.
Promote Safety and Positive Behavior
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Implement behavior intervention strategies with consistency and compassion.
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Utilize approved CPI and Ukeru techniques when necessary to ensure the safety of students and staff.
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Help maintain a structured, positive, and inclusive classroom environment.
Provide Student Care and Support
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Assist students with personal care needs, including toileting, feeding, mobility, and hygiene, as needed.
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Support students during transitions, community outings, and school activities.
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Operate classroom technology, assistive devices, and adaptive equipment to support student learning.
Be a Collaborative Team Member
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Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.
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Communicate effectively with teachers, administrators, and related service providers.
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Follow all school policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
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Perform other duties as assigned to support student success and school operations.
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Qualifications
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High school diploma or equivalent.
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Illinois Paraprofessional License (or ability to obtain).
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Passion for working with children with diverse learning needs.
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Strong communication, teamwork, and problemsolving skills.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
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Bachelor’s degree in education, Psychology, SpeechLanguage Pathology, Human Services, or a related field.
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Illinois Substitute Teaching License.
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Experience working with students with autism, developmental disabilities, or behavioral support needs.
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Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the school day.
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Lift, transfer, or assist students and classroom materials up to 50 pounds.
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Participate in approved physical intervention techniques when required.
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Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
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Why Join Winston Knolls School?
At Winston Knolls School, you'll become part of a collaborative team dedicated to changing lives every day. We value innovation, compassion, continuous learning, and meaningful relationships. Our staff receive ongoing professional development, work alongside experienced educators and therapists, and make a lasting impact on students and families.
Every day brings new opportunities to celebrate progress, build confidence, and help students achieve goals they once thought were impossible.
If you're looking for a career where your work truly matters, we encourage you to apply.
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Salary based on Education and Experience
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Medical and Dental
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Vision
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Life
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401k
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15 PTO Days
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Monday through Friday work week
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Holidays and Breaks throughout the year
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Working with a collaborative Staff
The Winston Knolls School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
The Winston Knolls School is a private, 503c non-profit school for children with autism and developmental delays, located in Elgin, Illinois.
