Special Education Preschool Assistant 26/27 SY

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high-quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, youll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students lives.

In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. Youll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key-you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.

Together, we are Proving Whats Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

A SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT CAREER IN IPS OFFERS

Purpose and Impact

Empowering Student Growth: Special Education Support Staff play a vital role in ensuring students with disabilities receive the care, assistance, and individualized attention they need to thrive. Your work fosters independence, confidence, and success.

Ensuring Access for Every Learner: At IPS, we are committed to removing barriers and providing the tools and support necessary to help all students succeed. You will be a champion for students, creating accessible learning experiences that meet diverse needs.

Collaborative Teamwork: You will work closely with Special Education Teachers, therapists, and general educators, ensuring that students receive comprehensive, coordinated support in and out of the classroom.

Professional and Personal Growth

Specialized Training & Development: IPS invests in Special Education Support Staff with targeted professional development training in behavioral strategies and ongoing mentorship opportunities.

Career Advancement Opportunities: Whether you are just beginning your career or looking to grow within the field, IPS offers pathways for advancement, including leadership opportunities and additional certifications.

Work-Life Balance and Well-being: Comprehensive benefits, including competitive pay, access to robust health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs, designed to support you and your family.

Supportive Work Environment: We value our Special Education Support Staff and ensure you have the tools, training, and community to succeed while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling career.

WHAT WE EXPECT

Commitment to Excellence

High Standards for Student Support: We expect our Special Education Support Staff to provide thoughtful, high-quality assistance that helps students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Ensuring Every Student Has What They Need to Succeed: IPS is committed to helping all students access the education resources and support they need to reach their full potential. You will play a key role in creating a welcoming, respectful, and encouraging learning environment.

Resilience and Passion: Dedication to students requires patience, flexibility, and a strong commitment to their success. You will help ensure that students receive the tools and guidance they need to meet their goals.

Adaptability in a Fast-Paced Environment: Each day brings new challenges and opportunities. You must be resourceful, creative, and solution-focused, always working to provide the best possible experience for students.

Professional Integrity

Strong Communication and Collaboration: Upholding professionalism and clear communication is critical. You will work closely with families, teachers, and specialists to ensure students receive the support they need.

A Team-Oriented Approach: Special Education is a shared effort. IPS looks for support staff who work well in a team setting, bring a positive attitude, and foster strong relationships with students, colleagues, and families.

JOIN US

Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace-its a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove Whats Possible in your career and in our schools. If youre ready to make a difference, advocate for students, and bring excellence to Special Education, IPS is the place for you.

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY

Performs any combination of the following instructional tasks to assist teaching staff of elementary or secondary school students, preschool through 22 years of age. Other duties may also be assigned by the teacher, principal, and/or Director of Special Education or designee.

COLLABORATES WITH CLASSROOM TEACHER

• To coordinate instructional support responsibilities
• Under a teachers supervision, plans, prepares, and develops various teaching aids, such as study guides, charts, and visual auditory supports
• Under a teachers supervision, presents subject matter information to students utilizing a variety of teaching methods and techniques

ADMINISTERS AND GRADES TESTS AND ASSESSMENTS

• Assists students individually or in groups with academic assignments and social skills to reinforce learning
• Supports activities of daily living, including toileting, feeding
• Physically restrains a student in therapeutic holds, only after participating in nonviolent crisis intervention training
• Utilizes de-escalation verbal interventions techniques with students
• Provides supervision, participation, and instruction for students in Community-Based Instruction on public transportation, on job sites, and recreational activities, which could include aquatic activities, therapeutic horseback riding, challenge courses, etc.
• Monitors students in the classroom, cafeteria, on the playground, and in the community, may need to guide play and intervene with behavior
• Instructs students in language development and alternate communication systems
• Assists with getting students on and off the bus
• Adapts curriculum and modifies assignments for students attending general education classes under teacher directive
• Attends work daily and demonstrates punctuality, following the Indianapolis Public Schools policies on attendance and tardiness
• Provides support for students as planned by professional staff, teachers, OT, PT, social workers, etc.
• Follows team-prescribed procedures for academic, social, communication, and behavioral intervention plans
• Communicates respectfully and works collaboratively with all students, families, and school staff
• Participates in professional development, in-services, and training
• Provides short-term coverage for professional and other classroom assistants

CONFIDENTIALITY

Demonstrate strict standards of confidentiality following the guidelines of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

QUALIFICATION

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/or EXPERIENCE

• Associates Degree or sixty semester hours of college credit or successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment test
• Basic computer skills helpful

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos
• Ability to write simple correspondence, record data
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to students and staff of the organization

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts, such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or lesson plan format
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations
• Ability to deal with problems responsibly and effectively

SCREENING REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of required items, fingerprinting, CPR, and Drug Screen to qualify for working at a certified preschool location

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The ability to push a wheelchair
• The ability to walk with students in and around school, neighborhood, to bus stops, and in the community
• The ability to interact with students on the floor and assist in a variety of therapeutic positions
• Participate in 2-person lifts for students who weigh more than 90 lbs
• Ability to write copy and comprehend oral and visual information to support students

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.