Special Education Teaching Assistant (Self-Contained) - STEPS

Full-time position available.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with activities to maximize participation in learning and achievement of IEP objectives.
• Work with assigned individuals or groups of students to ensure learning and behavioral objectives are achieved, including:
  • Implement instructional plans as determined by licensed teachers and therapists.
  • Apply lesson modifications as directed and supplement or change modifications as needed.
  • Prompt, cue, and redirect students to keep them on task.
  • Administer curriculum-based tests/quizzes.
  • Ensure students record assignments, have correct materials, and complete assignments.
  • Take notes of curriculum presented during class as appropriate for student needs.
• Provide physical care as needed, including diapering, toileting, feeding, reinforcing adaptive PE/motor activities, and assisting with hygiene and independent living skills.
• Observe, document, and reinforce appropriate student behaviors; communicate activities to teacher and facilitators.
• Participate in weekly team meetings to review student progress, plan upcoming lessons, and participate in trainings.
• Assist with non-instructional activities.
• Maintain safety, behavior, decorum, and order in common areas (e.g., lunchroom, playground, corridors) and on field trips.
• Retrieve students from buses or cars at the start of classes and escort them to appropriate buses or cars at the end of classes.
• Record and update student progress toward achievement of individual educational plans.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including covering absences or balancing workloads.

Requirements

• Ability to read, write, and speak English to communicate with students and staff and assist with instruction.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply, and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Proficiency in using technology and computer-based programs provided by the District to manage files, communication, records, and databases.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and demonstrate sensitivity to individual differences.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student, employee, and other sensitive information.
• Ability to establish supportive and compassionate relationships with students with special needs.
• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations and adapt to changing conditions.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisors as required.
• Ability to follow written or oral instructions.
• Ability to work independently, stay on-task, multi-task, and complete assigned projects efficiently.

Physical Abilities

• Ability to lift students and perform physical manipulations for diapering, toileting, feeding, dressing, and assisting with daily living skills.
• Regularly required to see, speak, and hear; frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Ability to push, pull, lift, or carry up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• Valid Educator License with Stipulations (PARA), Substitute License, or Professional Educator License.
• Experience with special education students preferred.
• Educator License with Stipulations (PARA) can be obtained by one of the following:
  • At least 19 years of age.
  • One of the following:
    • Associate's degree or higher.
    • 60 semester hours of coursework.
    • High School Diploma or GED and a score of 460 or higher on the ETS Parapro.
    • High School Diploma or GED and the following scores on the ACT Workkeys:
      • Applied Mathematics/Applied Math (score of 4).
      • Reading for Information/Workplace Documents (score of 4).
• Applicants must submit documentation to the DuPage Regional Office of Education for consideration.

Equipment

• Use general office equipment and personal computers.
• May need to operate adaptive equipment.

Work Environment

• Work in a standard school building environment.
• Work outdoors during outdoor student activities.
• Travel between schools may be required.

Pay

$19.25–$21.30/hour.

Benefits

Benefits as described in the IPCA contract (2026-30).