Paraprofessional

The Connect Academy; Carol Stream (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

The Connect Academy in Illinois is seeking a dedicated paraprofessional to support PreK-8 students with diverse needs. You will assist with instructional activities, behavior supports, and data collection under the guidance of licensed teachers.

Responsibilities include supervising students, supporting BIPs, and contributing to safe, trauma-informed classrooms. This in-person role offers a clear path for growth within our therapeutic educational model.

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Meets Illinois paraprofessional license requirements.
• Positive interpersonal and effective relations skills.
• Knowledge of computers and ability to learn new systems.
• Willing to assist students in a variety of situations.
• Lifting, walking, and stairs may be required.

Responsibilities

• Help develop knowledge and skills, nurture confidence and character using instructional models, under supervision.
• Assist students with educational and emotional needs.
• Supervise small group and individual activities in classroom and therapeutic settings.
• Support implementation of BIPs and apply de-escalation techniques and reinforcement systems.
• Assist with remediation, testing, and progress monitoring.
• Collect and record data to track IEP and behavior goals.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff on instructional approaches and classroom management.
• Maintain student safety, including during transitions and escalations; participate in CPI holds when trained.
• Lead lessons briefly in the absence of the teacher and perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Student support

Computer literacy

Willingness to assist

Physical stamina

Education

Paraprofessional license (Illinois)

Tools

Computers

Job description

Description

This position is for the 26-27 School Year with a start date of August 10. The Connect Academy is an organization with multiple campuses. All campuses have open positions posted for next year. Connect Academy Carol Stream is a PreK-8 building serving students with challenging, sometimes aggressive behaviors. The High School campus is located in Addison. The Lombard location serves PreK-3 students with autism who are nonverbal/minimally verbal as a bridge to public elementary school. ReConnect serves general education students as an alternative setting, often in lieu of expulsion. All provide comprehensive therapeutic services to address social-emotional and functional needs to support access to learning in addition to standards-based academics.

Essential functions of the job may include but are not limited to the following:

• Help develop knowledge and skills, nurture the confidence and character, and meet the needs of all students by using Connect Academy instructional models, strategies, and curriculum under the guidance of the teaching professional.
• Assist students with educational and emotional related needs..
• Supervise small group and individual student learning activities in the classroom and therapeutic settings.
• Support the implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and consistently apply de-escalation techniques, behavior strategies, and reinforcement systems under staff direction.
• Assist the teacher in applying remediation for diagnosed learning problems and help students during testing and assessment activities.
• Apply intervention and prevention strategies to facilitate student engagement, self-regulation, and achievement.
• Tutor individual students or small groups as directed.
• Collect and record academic, behavioral, and social-emotional data to monitor progress toward IEP and behavior goals, under the direction of the teaching professional.
• Collaborate and consult with the teacher, related service providers, and administrative team on instructional approaches, student regulation strategies, and classroom management techniques.
• Maintain student safety at all times, including during transitions, breaks, and potential behavioral escalations; participate in physical management procedures (such as CPI holds) when trained and necessary.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with students while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Participate in regular staff meetings, training, and professional development focused on trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and special education best practices.
• Perform clerical work relevant to assigned students as requested by the supervising teacher or administrator.
• Step in and instruct a classroom of students as a classroom teacher would, for a temporary period of time, when asked. This includes leading lessons, managing classroom behavior, and ensuring continuity of instruction and care in the teacher’s absence.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

License/Certification:

• Paraprofessional Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person

Requirements

Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Meets the requirements of the State of Illinois for a Paraprofessional license.
• Positive interpersonal and effective relations skills.
• Knowledge of computers and ability to learn new systems
• Must be willing to assist students in a variety of situations
• Lifting, walking, and stairs may be required