Long-term Preschool Paraeducator

Amherst-Pelham Regional School District; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Amherst Public Schools in Massachusetts is seeking a Long-Term Substitute Preschool Paraeducator to support students in an integrated preschool program, including ABA-based instruction for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities.

The successful candidate will collaborate with special education teachers and related staff to provide instructional, behavioral, and developmental support for ages 3-5, including data collection and adherence to IEP goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with young children or willingness to receive training.
• Ability to work with preschoolers aged 3-5, including children with ASD.
• Commitment to inclusive education and development.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to provide personal care as needed.
• Ability to collect and document progress data.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instructional support to preschool students under the supervision of a special education teacher.
• Support language, social, and play skills.
• Implement ABA strategies as directed.
• Document student progress data.
• Assist with daily living activities and safety.
• Collaborate with teachers and related staff.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Data collection

Documentation

Adaptability

Willingness to learn

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Long-Term Substitute Preschool Paraeducator

Amherst, Amherst-Pelham, and Pelham Public School Districts

District: Amherst Public Schools
Position Type: Long-Term Substitute
Assignment: Integrated Preschool Program
School Year: 2026-2027

Position Overview

Amherst Public Schools is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and motivated Long-Term Substitute Preschool Paraeducator to support students in our integrated preschool program, including specialized programming based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other disabilities.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with special education teachers, related service providers, and other educational professionals to provide individualized instructional, behavioral, and developmental support to preschool students ages 3-5.

This position involves providing direct student support and implementing developmentally appropriate instructional strategies under the direction of a licensed special education teacher. Candidates with relevant training and experience are encouraged to apply; training may be provided to qualified individuals who demonstrate a willingness to learn.

Essential Responsibilities

Instructional and Developmental Support

• Provide direct instructional and classroom support to preschool students, individually and in small groups, under the supervision of a special education teacher.
• Implement developmentally appropriate learning activities aligned with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and instructional goals.
• Support students with expressive and receptive language development, communication, social interaction, and play skills.
• Assist students in developing self-regulation, independence, adaptive living skills, and sensory processing strategies.
• Implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies and other evidence-based instructional practices as directed by qualified professionals.
• Collect and document student progress data in accordance with individualized instructional and behavioral programming.

Student Care and Behavioral Support

• Assist students with activities of daily living, including toileting, toilet training, diapering, personal hygiene, and other self-care needs.
• Provide positive behavioral support and reinforcement consistent with individualized student plans.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to students' sensory, social-emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Support student safety and well-being throughout classroom activities, transitions, and daily routines.
• Utilize approved behavioral intervention and de-escalation techniques, including physical safety interventions when authorized, necessary, and consistent with district policies and required training.

Classroom Collaboration and Inclusion

• Promote an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming learning environment that fosters students' academic, social, emotional, and developmental growth.
• Collaborate with special education teachers, general education preschool teachers, related service providers, and other school personnel.
• Assist students in participating meaningfully in classroom routines, group activities, and inclusive learning opportunities.
• Communicate student progress, observations, and concerns to supervising teachers and appropriate staff.
• Maintain student confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions.
• Assist with classroom preparation, instructional materials, and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with young children or a demonstrated willingness to receive training in early childhood and special education practices.
• Ability and willingness to work with preschool students ages 3-5, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities.
• Commitment to inclusive education and supporting students' social, emotional, behavioral, and academic development.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary educational team.
• Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced classroom environment.
• Ability and willingness to assist with personal care needs, including diapering, toileting, and toilet training.
• Ability to collect and accurately document student progress data as directed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with preschool-aged children, particularly ages 3-5.
• Experience supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays, or other disabilities.
• Training or experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), positive behavioral interventions, or individualized instructional programming.
• Experience working with students and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Familiarity with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), data collection, and special education classroom practices.
• Previous experience in an integrated preschool, early childhood education, or special education setting.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the physical ability to perform essential classroom and student support responsibilities, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Duties may include:

• Standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and working at floor level throughout the school day.
• Frequently reaching, using hands to assist students, and physically supporting instructional and personal care activities.
• Lifting or moving materials and equipment weighing up to 10 pounds regularly and assisting with students or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally, using appropriate assistance or equipment when necessary.
• Assisting students with mobility, positioning, transfers, toileting, and other personal care tasks.
• Responding promptly to student needs, behavioral situations, and emergencies.
• Participating in approved physical safety interventions when necessary and consistent with district policies and required training.
• Performing duties requiring sufficient visual and auditory awareness to supervise students and maintain a safe learning environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Amherst, Amherst-Pelham, and Pelham Public School Districts are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming educational and workplace environment.

Bilingual, bicultural, and candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants and employees in accordance with applicable laws.