Day School - Classroom Assistant

Youth Opportunity Center, Inc.; Muncie (IN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Youth Opportunity Center, Inc. is seeking a Therapeutic Day School Classroom Assistant to support students with social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs in a structured therapeutic setting.

You will collaborate with teachers, therapists, and staff to implement behavior intervention plans, collect data, and provide individualized support while maintaining a safe learning environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with children or adolescents.
• Ability to maintain calm and professionalism in challenging situations.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and behavior support strategies under supervision.
• Utilize trauma-informed, relationship-based, and therapeutic approaches when working with students.
• Collect and record behavioral data accurately and consistently.
• Assist students during behavioral escalations using approved de-escalation techniques and crisis procedures.
• Reinforce positive behaviors using school-wide incentive systems and behavior supports.
• Assist with academic instruction in both individual and small-group settings.
• Support students during classroom lessons, transitions, and community activities.
• Help maintain classroom structure, routines, and expectations.
• Assist with preparing classroom materials, organizing supplies, and maintaining a therapeutic learning environment.
• Support virtual or in-person instruction as directed by classroom staff.

Skills

Behavior intervention

Trauma-informed

Data collection

De-escalation

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Therapeutic Day School Classroom Assistant supports students with social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs within a structured therapeutic educational setting. This position works closely with the teacher, behavior team, therapists, and administration to provide individualized support, implement behavior intervention strategies, and create a safe, supportive learning environment. Due to our small class sizes, staff are able to build strong relationships with students and provide more individualized instruction and behavioral support.

• Implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and behavior support strategies under supervision.
• Utilize trauma-informed, relationship-based, and therapeutic approaches when working with students.
• Collect and record behavioral data accurately and consistently.
• Assist students during behavioral escalations using approved de-escalation techniques and crisis procedures.
• Reinforce positive behaviors using school-wide incentive systems and behavior supports.
• Assist with academic instruction in both individual and small-group settings.
• Support students during classroom lessons, transitions, and community activities.
• Help maintain classroom structure, routines, and expectations.
• Assist with preparing classroom materials, organizing supplies, and maintaining a therapeutic learning environment.
• Support virtual or in-person instruction as directed by classroom staff.

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with children or adolescents
• Ability to maintain calm and professionalism in challenging situations
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Preferred:

• Experience working in special education, therapeutic settings, residential treatment, behavioral health, or mental health settings
• Experience implementing behavioral plans and data collection