Starting Rate: $18 - $22 /hour based on experience
Environment: Special Education Program, Grades K-12
Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope is seeking an Instructional Aide 1:1 to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!
If you thrive in a supportive, student-centered, outcome-driven environment, seek a career with genuine purpose, and possess patience, empathy, a positive attitude, and a stellar work ethic — We Should Talk!
As an Instructional Aide 1:1, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the success of an assigned student or students in Grades K-12 by providing direct, individualized support, supervision and guidance both in the classroom and within the community. Collaborating closely with classroom educators, you'll assist with implementing your assigned student(s) individualized education plan (IEP), tailoring instruction to their unique learning needs. Your dedication will help empower your assigned student(s) to reach their full potential, building essential skills and confidence along the way.
‖ Responsibilities Include:
- Collaborating closely with classroom teachers to cultivate a supportive, welcoming, and high-achieving learning environment where all students feel safe and valued.
- Implementing engaging, individualized instruction and behavioral interventions both on-site and in community settings, aligned with each student's unique goals and objectives.
- Instructing and closely monitoring students during classroom lessons, ensuring instructional fidelity, and applying targeted strategies to enhance student comprehension and successful course completion.
- Encouraging individual student growth by consistently tracking progress against established timelines and proactively communicating with classroom teachers regarding students' successes and areas needing additional intervention.
- Managing student behavior effectively, reinforcing our school's philosophy and policies, and applying consistent disciplinary measures in collaboration with classroom teachers.
- Supporting and mentoring students facing academic challenges, encouraging personal growth, and assisting them in developing essential community, vocational, leisure, domestic, academic, and social skills.
- Completing clear, accurate, and timely documentation of student behaviors and performance, reporting meaningful observations, and offering actionable recommendations to relevant staff.
- Assisting with the preparation of detailed behavioral reports, daily activity logs, and other necessary documentation.
- Communicating proactively and clearly with students, colleagues, supervisors, and families regarding student needs, achievements, and areas of concern, working in close partnership with teachers and administration.
- Maintaining strict confidentiality of all student records and information at all times.
- Participating actively in assurance and accreditation activities, contributing to achieving site performance standards and accreditation requirements.
- Participating in school-wide, student-parent, and advisory meetings to foster collaborative support networks and positive educational outcomes.
- Responding positively and constructively to formal and informal feedback, demonstrating continuous professional growth.
- Performing additional responsibilities as needed to support student success and contribute to the overall effectiveness of our educational community.
‖ Qualifications Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent w/ passage of basic skills test.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study preferred.
- Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state paraprofessional license.
- Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
- Prior experience providing instruction, guidance and/or support to children; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
- Highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders and/or other related disabilities.
- Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
- Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
- Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
- Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.
Spectrum Center Schools and Programs is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 50 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives!
Learn more about our history, our mission, and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:
- https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose
At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education!
‖ Perks and Benefits Include:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
- FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
- FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
- Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
- Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
- Personal Protection Insurance Plans
- Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
- Legal Services Insurance
- Pet Health Insurance
- Accrual-based Paid Time Off
- School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
- Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
- 401k Retirement Saving Plan
- Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
- Opportunities for Growth & Development
- And So Much More!
If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance!
Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!
Copyright © 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.
Required
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High School or better in Diploma or Equivalent
Preferred
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Bachelors or better in Education or related field
Required
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Ability to Obtain
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Paraprofessional
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Crisis Prevention Inst
Preferred
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Special Education
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1:1 Student Instruction
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Student Engagement
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Performance Motivation
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Behavioral Support
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Crisis Intervention
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Behavioral Disorders
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Learning Disabilities
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Personalized Instruction
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Student Coaching/Mentorship
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Working With At-Risk Students
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Communication
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Interpersonal Skills
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Computer Skills
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Assistant Teaching
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Academic Support
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K-12 Education
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Autism
Preferred
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Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
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Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Preferred
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Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
