.6 Special Education Paraprofessional

About the Role

The paraprofessional assists teachers, students, and staff in educational settings by providing support with classroom instruction and other responsibilities to enhance the learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Student Support
  • Assist students within the school setting—behaviorally, emotionally, and academically.
  • Provide supervision to students in nonacademic settings (lunch, recess, bussing).
  • Enforce school-wide expectations using PBIS, TBRI, or Pyramid model.
  • Assist special education staff with tasks related to students when not directly supervising (planning, activity preparation, etc.).
• Instructional Support
  • Assist with modifications to the general education curriculum.
  • Support students with assignments and activities as directed by general or special education teachers.
  • Provide targeted intervention as needed without distraction.
  • Refer to IEPs, BIPs, and 504s to understand and meet student needs.
  • Communicate with classroom teachers, special education teachers, and other paraprofessionals about student specifics.
• Supervision and Safety
  • Assist with toileting and dressing as needed.
  • Ensure student safety at all times.
• LOP/SLP Specific Responsibilities
  • Physically assist students with tasks such as walking, physical participation, loading/unloading from vehicles, etc.
  • Physically prevent or prompt students when needed.
  • Assist students during mealtime (opening containers, refilling water, cutting food, using silverware).
  • Support personal hygiene tasks (cleaning face, washing hands, nose blowing).
  • Provide full restroom assistance, including changing soiled undergarments/pull-ups/diapers and cleaning sanitary areas.
  • Learn and facilitate the use of assistive technology communication devices.
  • Collaborate with case managers and related services to ensure effective instruction.
  • Encourage or aid in peer interactions.
  • Assist in managing disruptive behavior, including screaming, crying, or aggression.
• Participate in training or professional development to better serve students.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or adjusted in the best interest of the school district.

Requirements

• Paraprofessional license.

Physical Demands

The role requires the ability to perform various physical tasks, including standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, lifting, and bending. The work environment may involve exposure to typical noise and activity levels in a school or school bus setting.

Benefits

• Sick leave and personal days.
• Employer contributions to Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).
• HMO insurance and dental benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the district.

Reports to: Building Principal. Terms of employment, including hourly rate and length of work year, are determined by the Board of Education.