Early Childhood Instructional Assistant (Self-Contained)

Hawthorn School District 73; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 30,307,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawthorn School District 73 in Lincoln, IL seeks an Early Childhood Instructional Assistant (Self-Contained) to support teachers in achieving learning objectives for individual students or small groups.

Responsibilities include reinforcing skills with students, assisting with classroom management, and communicating any concerns to the teacher. IL ISBE paraprofessional licensure or equivalent is required or pursued; bilingual ability is a plus.

Qualifications

• ISBE paraprofessional license or equivalent is required or pursuing licensure.
• 60 semester hours of college credit or paraprofessional training program required.
• Illinois elementary teaching certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in achieving learning objectives for individuals or small groups.
• Reinforce skills using strategies tailored to students' needs, interests, and abilities.
• Assist with student supervision and classroom management to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Communicate issues or special information to the teacher promptly.
• Participate in training programs and school duties as assigned by the Principal.

Skills

Communication with students/parents

Spanish language (preferred)

Professional demeanor

Education

ISBE paraprofessional license or equivalent

60 college credits or paraprofessional training

Illinois elementary teaching certificate preferred

Tools

None

Job description

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Frontline Applicant Tracking - Hawthorn School District 73

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

• 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].

Postings current as of 9/20/2026 10:55:22 AM CST.

Need Help?

We're here to help! For questions regarding position qualifications or application procedures, please contact Hawthorn School District 73 directly.

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