Elementary School: Aide Special Education Succeeding in Academic and Independent Living Skills (SAILS) Services 2026-2027

About the Role

The Aide Special Education SAILS will provide direct support/services to students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings to help them access the curriculum in their least restrictive environment. The incumbent will assist teachers and staff by implementing and documenting students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), focusing on academics, behavior, communication, social skills, and personal care. This role is part of the Succeeding in Academic and Independent Living Skills (SAILS) program, which serves students with cognitive disabilities through a specialized curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Service Delivery:
  • Interact with students in various settings (hallways, classrooms, restrooms, playgrounds, arrival/departure) to ensure safety and engagement.
  • Assist with classroom management and supervise students at all times.
  • Execute behavioral strategies based on ARD documents, including reinforcements, consequences, and contingencies.
  • Intervene using behavior intervention strategies, including approved physical restraint when necessary.
  • Implement academic and functional lessons under teacher guidance in large group, small group, or independent practice settings.
  • Assist with personal care services (feeding, cleaning, dressing, lifting, positioning, transitioning, toileting, and changing), which may constitute more than 50% of the workday.
• Compliance:
  • Record implementation of support and services on approved logs (e.g., inclusive support logs, accommodation logs).
  • Collect data on IEP targets and behavior in collaboration with the teacher.
  • Maintain confidentiality of student information.
• Teacher Support:
  • Prepare instructional materials under teacher guidance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 48 college hours or a passing score on the Para Professional Assessment of Knowledge and Skills Test.
• Texas Educational Aide Certification preferred or required to obtain once hired.
• De-Escalation/Restraint Certification preferred or required to obtain once hired (district-provided training).
• Proficiency in Windows Operating System and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

Work is performed in classrooms, offices, workstations, and meeting rooms. Physical demands include occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying items under 40 pounds. Regular use of hands, fingers, and arms is required, as well as the ability to talk, hear, and adjust focus. The role involves everyday risks and discomforts, requiring normal safety precautions. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must maintain emotional control under stress. Exposure to bodily fluids and frequent childhood/pre-teen/teen illnesses is possible. Up to 25% of work may be outdoors, with exposure to elements and inclement weather.

Additional Information

This position involves lifting and positioning students, including controlling behaviors through hands-on intervention and approved physical restraint strategies. Paraprofessionals may need to lift adult-sized students using a 2-man lift for personal care needs. The position is funded by grant funds and may be discontinued if funding is no longer available.

Primary Location: TEXAS
Position Type: Instructional Para Staff
Position Calendar: 184AU1
School Year: 2026-2027
Salary Grade: 503
Unposting Date: Jan 31, 2027, 11:59:00 PM