Early Childhood Instructional Assistant (Self-Contained)

Hawthorn School District 73; Oklahoma; On-site; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawthorn School District 73 is seeking an Early Childhood Instructional Assistant (Self-Contained) to support teachers in delivering instruction and managing classroom activities. The role involves working with individual students or small groups, reinforcing skills, and maintaining a productive learning environment.

Candidates should have a Paraprofessional license or be eligible, with options for certification or college credit, and preferrred experience with elementary-aged learners.

Qualifications

• Paraprofessional or licensing approval required for ISBE/ICCBE.
• 60 semester hours or paraprofessional training program.
• Experience with students in a learning center preferred.
• Ability to communicate well with children and parents.

Responsibilities

• Assists the teacher in achieving learning objectives for individual students or small groups.
• Implements strategies to reinforce skills based on student needs and abilities.
• Supports classroom management and supervision to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Alerts the teacher to any problems or special information related to students.
• Participates in trainings and assists with additional duties as assigned by the Principal.

Skills

Student support

Communication with parents

Spanish (basic)

Education

Paraprofessional license or coursework

60 college credits or paraprofessional training

Illinois teaching certificate preferred

Job description

Early Childhood Instructional Assistant (Self-Contained) JobID: 3833

Job Details

• Position Type: Support Staff/ Instructional Assistant
• Date Posted: 9/16/2026
• Location: Lincoln
• Date Available: ASAP

Description

• Assists the teacher(s) in achieving teaching and learning objectives working with individual students or small groups.
• Assists the teacher(s) in implementing strategies for reinforcing skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Works with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce the learning of skills or content initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assists the teacher(s) with the management and supervision of students in the classroom to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
• Communicates with and alerts the teacher to any problems or special information related to the students.
• Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of teachers.
• Assists the teacher(s), when appropriate, with such activities as drill work, reading to students, listening to students read, guiding independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work.
• Participates in training programs, as assigned.
• Assists with the supervision of students, and other duties in the school, as assigned by the Principal.

Requirements

• All instructional assistants must have a Paraprofessional (Short-Term License* is available for candidates with a high school diploma or the equivalent), Professional Educator or a Substitute Teaching License from the Illinois State Board of Education. This approval is based on meeting one of the following:
  • Completion of 60 semester hours of college credit.
  • Completion of a paraprofessional training program approved by ISBE or ICCB.
  • Passage of the ETS Parapro Assessment, or
  • Passage of the applicable ACT WorkKeys assessments.
• Experience working with students in a learning center atmosphere preferred.
• Illinois elementary teaching certificate preferred.
• Ability to speak foreign language/Spanish preferred.
• Be able to communicate well with children and parents.

*Assistance available regarding the application for Paraprofessional Licenses. Please contact the Human Resources Department at [phone].