Job Purpose
The Classroom Education Assistant (Paraprofessional) supports students with disabilities in achieving their educational, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional goals within a special education classroom. Working under the direction of a licensed Special Education Teacher, the Classroom Education Assistant implements instructional activities, reinforces Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, provides behavioral support, assists with daily living skills as needed, and helps create a safe, structured, and positive learning environment that promotes student independence and success.
Essential Functions
Student Instruction & Academic Support
- Assist in implementing instructional activities developed by the Special Education Teacher.
- Provide one-on-one and small group instructional support to reinforce academic concepts.
- Adapt instructional materials and learning activities to meet individual student needs.
- Support students in completing assignments while encouraging independence.
- Reinforce IEP goals through daily classroom activities
Behavioral Support
- Implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and positive behavior support strategies.
- Utilize trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches to support student success.
- Model appropriate social skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving techniques.
- Assist in de-escalating challenging behaviors using approved intervention techniques.
- Maintain consistent classroom routines and expectations.
Classroom Environment
- Help maintain a safe, organized, and engaging classroom environment.
- Prepare instructional materials and classroom resources.
- Supervise students during classroom transitions, recess, lunch, field trips, and community-based instruction.
- Assist with classroom organization, inventory, and cleanliness.
- Support implementation of classroom schedules and routines.
Documentation & Communication
- Collect and record data related to student progress toward IEP goals.
- Document behavioral incidents, interventions, and student participation.
- Communicate relevant observations to the supervising teacher.
- Maintain confidentiality of all student records and information in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA (when applicable), and organizational policies.
Safety
- Maintain constant awareness of student safety.
- Follow emergency procedures and crisis response protocols.
- Maintain certification in required crisis prevention and intervention techniques.
- Report accidents, injuries, or safety concerns immediately.
Job Responsibilities
- Maintain current knowledge of special education best practices, instructional strategies, trauma-informed care, behavioral interventions, and applicable state and federal regulations.
- Participate in required professional development, trainings, certifications, and continuing education.
- Build collaborative relationships with teachers, therapists, administrators, families, and community partners to support student success.
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability while representing the organizations mission and values.
- Contribute positively to departmental and organizational initiatives through teamwork, flexibility, problem-solving, and continuous quality improvement.
- Maintain all required certifications, licenses, and mandatory training necessary for the position.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support students, the educational program, and organizational operations.
Qualifications
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate degree, completion of an approved paraprofessional program, or ability to meet state paraprofessional requirements preferred.
Experience:
- Experience working with children or adolescents with disabilities preferred.
- Experience in educational, behavioral health, residential, or human services settings preferred.
- Valid drivers license.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Ability to establish positive, respectful relationships with students who have diverse learning, behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs.
- Understanding of child development and special education practices.
- Ability to implement teacher-directed instructional and behavioral interventions.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong observation and documentation skills.
- Ability to remain calm and professional during challenging situations.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and professional boundaries.
- Basic computer skills for documentation and communication.
- Ability to organize work and manage multiple priorities.
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach.
- Lift, transfer, or assist students weighing up to 50 pounds independently.
- Ability to physically intervene using approved crisis intervention techniques when necessary.
- Ability to supervise students in classrooms, playgrounds, community settings, and during transportation.
- Visual, auditory, and physical ability to monitor student safety throughout the school day.
Working Conditions:
- Special education classroom and school environment.
- Frequent interaction with students exhibiting emotional, behavioral, developmental, and physical disabilities.
- Exposure to loud noise, occasional aggressive behaviors, bodily fluids, and outdoor weather conditions.