Aide - Life Skills 1-on-1 (2595, 2892)

Dunlap School District #323; Dunlap (IL); On-site; USD 20,230 - 28,812; Full time

Job summary

Dunlap School District #323 is seeking a full-time Special Education Assistant to support students with special needs in a classroom setting. This role involves providing direct help to students and assisting teachers in the educational process. Candidates should hold a state-approved education license and possess strong organizational and communication skills.

The position requires adaptability, the ability to multi-task, and proficiency in standard office software. A nurturing approach to student interaction is essential, along with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical behavior.

Qualifications

• State approved education license issued through the Illinois State Board of Education required.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Promote a smoothly functioning classroom environment.
• Support physical needs of severe/profound students.
• Assist teachers in implementing special educational strategies.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication skills

Ability to interact with children

Multi-tasking

Proficient in office software

Education

State approved education license

Job description

Position Type: Support Staff / Special Education Assistant
Date Posted: 5/19/2026
Location: Dunlap Middle School
Date Available: 08/10/2026

This position is FULL-TIME, 7 hours a day, Mon-Fri, $17.80/hr + Stipend, benefits, sick time.

Position Objective

To promote and support a well‑organized, smoothly functioning classroom environment in which students can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resources. To provide immediate and direct support to the classroom teacher and student(s) within resource programs and ED/BD programs.

Paraprofessional 2 will be supporting and assisting the physical needs of more severe and profound students with physical/personal needs.

Essential Functions

• Follows district, building, and classroom policies, procedures, regulations, and attendance standards
• Strives to implement the district’s philosophy of educational and instructional goals and objectives under the supervision of the classroom teacher
• Works with individual students or in small groups of students to reinforce learning of materials or skills initially introduced by the teacher
• Assists the teacher in implementing special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual needs, interests, and abilities
• Effectively assists special education and/or regular education teacher(s) with classroom management and instructional process
• Operates and cares for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes
• Helps students master instructional objectives assigned by the teacher
• Monitors student work and assists within the school environment
• Assists with independent study and remedial work as assigned by the teacher
• Checks notebooks, corrects paper, supervises testing and make‑up work, and performs other classroom clerical work as assigned by the teacher
• Assists with all routines in the classroom
• Serves as the chief source of information and assistance to a substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular classroom teacher, as applicable
• Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected for classroom teachers
• Participates in all in‑service training programs, SIP activities, and other professional development activities when approved by administration
• Identifies and assists students without teacher direction
• Spends a high level of time in direct student contact
• Discusses student progress with the classroom teacher at the completion of the day’s assigned lesson
• Collects data for purposes of monitoring student achievement and growth
• Competently prepares and/or produces usable materials
• Communicates effectively and maintains appropriate interactions with teachers and all professional staff
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and initiative
• Accepts constructive criticism
• Uses time efficiently
• Provides personal hygiene assistance as outlined in students’ IEP, as applicable
• Competently assists with medical procedures and physical/personal problems when required
• Does changing of diapers, bathroom needs, transitions students from wheelchairs or other equipment—could include lifting throughout the day
• Willing to be trained in CPI to do restraints as needed, for students that are in danger of hurting themselves or others

Additional Functions

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• State approved education license issued through the Illinois State Board of Education required (PARA, PEL, SUB, ELS-PEDU)
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills. Able to communicate effectively with staff at all levels, students, parents, and the general public
• Ability to interact with children in a positive and nurturing manner
• Ability to multi‑task while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor
• Adaptable to different work scenarios and schedules. Able to prioritize efforts in order to achieve a student‑focused solution
• Proficient in standard office software applications
• Ability to collaborate and provide shared leadership
• Ability to read, write and speak the English language
• Ability to assess and anticipate instructional and supervision tasks needed
• Understanding of school, district, and state rules and regulations regarding school operations

Working conditions

• Mental Demands: calculating, comparing, evaluation, interpreting, organizing, consulting, analyzing, planning, documenting, specifying, coordinating, implementing, and presenting