Day School - Classroom Assistant

Youth Opportunity Center; Muncie (IN); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Full time

Job summary

Youth Opportunity Center 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 work closely with teachers, behavior teams, therapists, and administration to provide individualized support, implement behavior strategies, and help maintain a safe learning environment.

Strong communication and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 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

Calm under pressure

Strong communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

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.

Essential 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.

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

• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification
• Experience working in special education, therapeutic settings, residential treatment, behavioral health, or mental health settings
• Experience implementing behavioral plans and data collection