Elementary Special Education Teaching Assistant

Indian Prairie Community Unit School District; United States; On-site; USD 26,518 - 29,342; Full time

Job summary

Indian Prairie Community Unit School District is seeking a full-time Elementary Special Education Teaching Assistant to support students with activities that maximize their learning. The role requires working closely with individuals and groups to meet IEP objectives.

Candidates must hold a valid Educator License and be adept in working with diverse student populations. The position offers a pay rate of $19.25–$21.30 per hour and benefits as described in the IPCA contract 2026–30.

Qualifications

• Experience with special education students preferred.
• Must be able to lift students and perform daily living skills.
• Regularly required to see, speak and hear, and perform physical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Implement instructional plans as determined by licensed teachers.
• Administer curriculum-based tests and quizzes.
• Assist students with physical care as needed.

Skills

Ability to read, write and speak English

Basic arithmetic operations

Proficiency in personal computers and software

Sensitivity to individual differences

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Establish supportive relationships

Composure in stressful situations

Education

Valid Educator License with Stipulations (PARA)

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

General office equipment

Personal computers

Job description

Elementary Special Education Teaching Assistant

Job ID: 14216

Position Details

• Position Type: Teacher Assistant / Self Contained Special Education Teacher Assistant
• Date Posted: 7/2/2026
• Location: Multiple Locations (no travel)
• Date Available: 08/2026

Summary

Full- time position available (35 hours per week). Position start date: August 2026. Assist students with activities to maximize participation in learning and achievement of IEP objectives. Perform duties to work with assigned individuals or with groups of students to ensure learning and behavioral objectives are achieved, which may include the following:

Essential Job Functions

• Implement instructional plans as determined by licensed teachers and therapists.
• Apply lesson modifications as directed and supplement or change lesson modifications as needed to ensure learning objectives are met. Prompt, cue and redirect students to keep on task.
• Administer curriculum-based tests and quizzes.
• Ensure students record assignments, have correct materials and completed assignments for class as appropriate for student needs.
• Take notes of curriculum presented during class as appropriate for student needs.
• Provide physical care as needed: diaper, toilet, feed, reinforce adaptive PE/motor activities per instructions from teacher and/or therapist(s); assist, as needed, with hygiene and independent living skills.
• Observe, document and reinforce appropriate student behaviors; communicate activities to teacher and facilitators.
• Participate in weekly team meeting to review student progress, plan upcoming lessons and participate in trainings.
• Assist with non-instructional activities.
• Assist in maintaining safety, behavior, decorum, and order in common areas including the lunchroom, playground, corridors, and other school facilities and on field trips.
• Retrieve students from buses or cars at the start of classes and escort students to appropriate buses or cars at end of classes when required.
• Record and update students progress toward achievement of individual educational plan.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

• Ability to read, write and speak English sufficient to communicate with students and staff and to assist students with instruction.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform basic arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel). Demonstrate proficiency using technology and computer-based programs provided by the District. Use these programs to effectively manage and organize files, communication, records and databases.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and is sensitive to individual differences.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations and adapt in response to changing conditions.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to work independently, stay on-task, multi-task and take responsibility to complete assigned projects in a timely and efficient manner.

Physical Abilities

• Employee must be able to use physical ability to lift students and perform other manipulations to diaper, toilet, feed, dress and assist students with other daily living skills.
• Employee is regularly required to see, speak and hear; frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb, climb stairs or balance, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Employee must be able to push, pull, lift or carry up to 50 lbs.

Education / Certifications / Qualifications

• Qualified candidates will hold a valid Educator License with Stipulations (PARA), Substitute License, or Professional Educator License, and experience with special education students preferred.
• Educator License with Stipulations (PARA) can be obtained by one of the following ways and applicants must submit documentation to the DuPage Regional Office of Education in order for consideration:
  • At least 19 years of age.
  • One of the following:
    • Associate’s degree or higher.
    • 60 semester hours of coursework.
    • High School Diploma or GED and a score of 460 or higher on the ETS Parapro.
    • High School Diploma or GED and the following scores on the ACT Workkeys:
      • Applied Mathematics/Applied Math (with a score of 4).
      • Reading for information/Workplace Documents (with a score of 4).

Equipment

• Use general office equipment.
• Use personal computers.
• May need to operate adaptive equipment.

Work Environment

Work in standard school building environment. Work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

Travel Requirements

Travel between schools may be required.

Supervisor

Building Principal and/or designee.

Pay and Benefits

Rate of pay: $19.25–$21.30 per hour. Benefits as described in IPCA contract 2026–30.