Anticipated SY 26-27 Special Ed Classroom Assistant

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools is hiring a Special Education Classroom Assistant to help teachers in supporting students with disabilities. Your role will include one-on-one tutoring, maintaining records, and assisting in daily activities for students.

Requirements include a valid TASN paraprofessional license and good knowledge of disability characteristics. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and be able to lift and assist students physically.

Qualifications

• Certification required: Must possess a valid TASN paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education.
• Good knowledge of students with disabilities and ability to follow instructions.
• Medium work: ability to lift and carry objects as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assist Special Education teachers in elementary and high schools.
• Provide one-on-one tutoring and personal hygiene services.
• Maintain written records of student behavior and accompany class field trips.

Skills

Good knowledge of students with disabilities

English grammar and spelling

Basic mathematics

Good oral and written communication skills

Education

TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license

60 semester hours of college credit or passing paraprofessional exam

Tools

Photocopying equipment

Audio-visual equipment

Job description

Overview

Special Education Classroom Assistant

Responsibilities

Assists Special Education teachers in elementary and high schools, reinforcing efforts with children with various disabilities, including physical, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional and mental impairments in accordance with each student's Individual Education Program (IEP). Duties include: lifting and positioning non-ambulatory students, providing one-on-one tutoring and personal hygiene services for students with severe disabilities, assisting students with orthopedic impairments by arranging and adjusting tools and equipment, instructing students in daily living skills, accompanying students to swimming pools and medical clinics, assisting in feeding students, taking notes, correcting homework and examination materials, maintaining written records of student behavior, accompanying class field trips, and attending workshops and training to update job-related skills.

May utilize aggressive management techniques to physically restrain violent students, may administer CPR as directed by the teacher, may operate audio‑visual equipment and photocopying equipment.

Qualifications

Certification Requirements: Must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education, obtained after completing at least 60 semester hours of college credit or a paraprofessional exam.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Good knowledge of the characteristics of students with various disabilities, English grammar and spelling, basic mathematics. Ability to work with and for students ages birth to 21, follow written and oral instructions, complete and maintain basic written reports. CPR training is highly desirable; otherwise, CPR training must be completed upon initial employment.

Good oral and written communication skills. Skill operating photocopying and audio‑visual equipment is desirable.

Physical Requirements: Medium work: exerts up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, 10 pounds constantly. Must be able to reach, handle, and finger objects; talk and hear; use near/far visual acuity.