Instructional Aide

About the role

At Fundamentals, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, even when traditional school settings haven't worked for them. As an Instructional Aide/Education Support, you'll work alongside licensed special education teachers and directly with students in grades 2–12 who may experience complex emotional, behavioral, mental health, or developmental challenges. This isn't a traditional paraprofessional role. You'll help students rebuild confidence in learning, develop coping skills, strengthen their academic skills, and build the stamina they need to succeed in school.

Our students often come to us after struggling in traditional school settings. Before we can expect academic success, we may need to help a student rebuild trust, find their motivation, learn how to regulate their emotions, and discover that they can be successful at school. You might help a student who refuses to complete an assignment take the first step. You might support a student through a difficult moment and help them return to learning. You might watch a student who once couldn't make it through a school day gradually build the skills and confidence to do so. Our goal isn't simply to get students through the school day. It's to help them develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need to eventually succeed in their home school environment.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with students
• Support students with academic work, assignments, and classroom activities
• Provide one-on-one and small-group support based on each student's individual needs
• Help students develop coping, communication, social, and emotional skills
• Reinforce classroom expectations, routines, and positive behaviors
• Support students through challenging moments and help them develop positive alternatives
• Help students build the stamina and skills needed to be successful in a traditional school setting
• Support students during Power Hour, expressive arts, recreation, lunch, field trips, and other activities
• Provide additional academic support when needed
• Follow individualized strategies and interventions developed by the student's educational and support team
• Work alongside licensed special education teachers, clinicians, and behavioral support staff
• Communicate observations and student progress with the team
• Help students recognize their progress and build confidence in their ability to learn

Requirements

• Paraprofessional
• Instructional Aide
• Education Support Professional
• Special Education Aide
• Direct Support Professional
• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) professional
• Caregiver
• Youth worker
• Mental health or human services professional
• Teacher or education professional

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Must be 18+
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record preferred
• Strong work ethic and dependable attendance
• Positive, creative approach to problem-solving
• Ability to remain calm and supportive during challenging situations
• Willingness to learn and work as part of a team

Pay

$17–$20/hour based on experience, education, and qualifications. Weekly pay. Full-time position.

Benefits

• 401(k) with match
• Health insurance
• Dental & vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Accident insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Hospital indemnity plans
• PTO
• Holiday pay
• Mileage reimbursement
• Disability coverage

Schedule

School Year: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM. Summer hours may be available based on program needs and availability.