Paraprofessional

Paraprofessional Grades K-6

Position Summary

Indiana Math and Science Academy Central is seeking a caring, dependable, and student-centered paraprofessional to support students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The paraprofessional will work collaboratively with staff to provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.

This position may also provide short-term classroom coverage when a teacher or substitute is unavailable. During classroom coverage, the paraprofessional will follow teacher-provided lesson plans, maintain established classroom routines, and ensure a safe and productive learning environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Support

• Assist teachers with small-group and individual instruction in reading, mathematics, writing, science, and other content areas.
• Reinforce skills and concepts introduced by the classroom teacher.
• Help students remain engaged, organized, and prepared to participate in learning.
• Support classroom routines, transitions, arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, and other school activities.
• Prepare instructional materials and assist with classroom organization.
• Monitor student progress and share relevant observations with teachers and school leaders.
• Use school-approved technology and instructional resources to support student learning.

Special Education Support

• Provide services and accommodations under the direction of a licensed special education teacher.
• Support students in working toward goals identified in their Individualized Education Programs.
• Assist students with academic, behavioral, social-emotional, communication, mobility, or daily living needs, as assigned.
• Collect student performance or behavior data accurately and consistently.
• Implement behavior intervention and safety plans as directed.
• Maintain student dignity, privacy, and confidentiality.
• Follow all federal, state, and school requirements regarding special education services.

English Language Learner Support

• Support English language learners in accessing grade-level instruction.
• Reinforce academic vocabulary and language-development skills.
• Use visuals, modeling, sentence frames, repetition, and other approved instructional strategies.
• Encourage students to participate in classroom discussions and collaborate with peers.
• Work under the direction of classroom teachers and English learner staff to implement assigned supports.
• Respect and affirm students' cultures, languages, and backgrounds.

Classroom Substitute Coverage

• Provide occasional short-term classroom coverage when requested by school leadership.
• Follow lesson plans, schedules, classroom procedures, and schoolwide expectations.
• Deliver assigned lessons and provide active supervision throughout the class period.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and productive classroom environment.
• Document completed work, attendance, behavior concerns, and other relevant information for the classroom teacher.
• Request administrative assistance when student needs exceed the paraprofessional's assigned responsibilities or training.

Professional Responsibilities

• Build positive and respectful relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Maintain high expectations while responding to students with patience, consistency, and empathy.
• Protect the confidentiality of student, family, and personnel information.
• Follow school policies, safety procedures, and staff expectations.
• Participate in required meetings, professional development, and training.
• Communicate concerns promptly to the appropriate teacher or administrator.
• Accept coaching and apply feedback to improve performance.
• Remain flexible as student and school needs change.
• Perform other duties related to student support and school operations as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to meet applicable state or federal paraprofessional qualification requirements.
• Experience working with children in a school, childcare, tutoring, youth program, or similar setting preferred.
• Ability to support students with diverse academic, behavioral, language, and developmental needs.
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions and work collaboratively with multiple staff members.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Willingness to complete required background checks, training, and certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or college coursework in education, child development, special education, or a related field.
• Previous experience supporting students in grades K-6.
• Experience working with students who have disabilities or individualized education plans.
• Experience supporting English language learners.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills.
• Current CPR, first aid, or crisis-prevention certification.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Duties may include:

• Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and sitting for extended periods.
• Moving throughout classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and other school areas.
• Supervising students indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Lifting or assisting with instructional materials and student equipment.
• Responding promptly to student behavioral, health, or safety needs.

Work Schedule

Two work schedules are available for this position:

• 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: This employee will support and supervise a small group of students before the regular school day begins.
• 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.: This employee will support and supervise students after school and monitor the school radio for bus clearance and dismissal updates.

Both positions require reliable and consistent attendance and follow the school's academic calendar.

Supervision

The paraprofessional reports to the school principal or designated administrator and works under the daily direction of assigned classroom teachers, special education staff, and English language learner staff.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Indiana Math and Science Academy Central is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.