Long Term Substitute - ABA Paraeducator

Branford Public Schools; Pine Orchard (CT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Branford Public Schools seeks an ABA Paraeducator to provide behavioral and instructional support for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder across multiple grade levels. The role operates under a BCBA and a Lead Special Education Teacher to implement individualized plans and promote safe, structured learning environments.

Requirements include an associate degree or 60 college credits, or a high school diploma with ParaPathways, plus at least 1 year of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Foundational understanding of ABA principles and behavior supports.
• Experience with individuals on autism or developmental disabilities.
• Ability to implement and monitor behavior plans.

Responsibilities

• Provide behavioral and instructional support to students with ASD.
• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans under BCBA/lead teacher supervision.
• Support across pre-K to secondary levels with age-appropriate goals.
• Maintain safe, structured learning environments and collect data.

Skills

ABA principles understanding

Stress management

Adaptability across age groups

Physical stamina

Google Suite proficiency

Education

Associate degree

60 college credits

ParaPathways/ParaPro alternative

1 year autism/developmental disabilities experience

Tools

Data-tracking applications

Job description

VACANCY NOTICE

2026 - 2027 School Year

October 30, 2026

Branford Public Schools

Work Year: 10-Month

Department: Student Support Services

FLSA Status: Non-Represented

Reports To: BCBA / Lead Special Education Teacher

Hourly Rate: $22.37

Position Overview

The ABA Paraeducator provides behavioral and instructional support to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related developmental disabilities. This role operates across a continuum of specialized care, supporting early intervention at the pre‑K level, foundational academic and behavioral development at the elementary level, and high‑level specialized programming at the intermediate and secondary levels.

Under the supervision of a BCBA and Lead Special Education Teacher, the ABA Paraeducator implements individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), facilitates skill acquisition, and ensures a safe, structured learning environment tailored to the unique developmental, age‑appropriate, and program‑specific needs of the students.

Education & Experience:

• Associate degree, OR at least 60 college credits, OR
• High school diploma with successful completion of the ParaPathways (formerly ParaPro) assessment required .
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with individuals with autism or developmental disabilities, preferably in an ABA or specialized school setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Foundational understanding of ABA principles (reinforcement schedules, prompting hierarchies, functions of behavior).
• Ability to pivot seamlessly between early childhood needs, elementary academic/social benchmarks, and the functional or vocational profiles of older students.
• Proven ability to remain calm, objective, and supportive during high‑stress, crisis, or physically demanding behavioral episodes.
• Physical capacity to frequently run, bend, kneel, sit on the floor, and lift/move students or equipment according to safety protocols.
• Proficiency with Google Suite and a proven ability to learn specialized digital data‑tracking applications.

Physical and Cognitive Demands:

Work in this classification requires frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and sitting for extended periods. The employee must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with student movement using appropriate equipment. The position may require implementing physical interventions, including restraining or transporting students, in accordance with established behavior plans. The role requires manual dexterity for data collection and use of technology, as well as the ability to receive and process detailed verbal and written information. Vision must be sufficient to read and interpret written and digital materials.

Note:

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all‑inclusive of every duty performed in this position. Additional duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Start Date:Immediately After Filled
Open Until Filled

Bilingual English/Spanish candidates encouraged to apply