Paraprofessional

The Connect Academy; Lombard (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Match

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Job summary

The Connect Academy in Lombard, IL is seeking a full-time paraprofessional to support teachers and clinicians in delivering instruction and implementing IEPs and behavior plans. You will help create a safe, structured classroom and assist with crisis de-escalation, daily routines, and student growth.

Work closely with a multidisciplinary team to reinforce learning, model appropriate behaviors, and maintain professional boundaries while supporting trauma-informed care and special education best

Qualifications

• Illinois Paraprofessional License is required.
• Background check and physical exam are required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing curriculum, IEPs, and behavior plans.
• Support students in academic and social-emotional growth.
• Provide supervision in small groups and individual sessions.
• Assist with CPI holds under staff direction when trained.
• Collect and record academic, behavioral, and social-emotional data.
• Collaborate with teachers, clinicians, and admin staff.
• Maintain student safety and participate in meetings and trainings.
• Perform clerical tasks related to assigned students.

Skills

De-escalation

Data collection

Student support

Collaboration

Education

Illinois Paraprofessional License

Job description

Description

Paraprofessional Job Description

Employment Type:

Full-time | Nonexempt

Reports To:

Site Administrator

Mission:

The mission of our program is to provide our students with a high quality of education that offers instruction in both academic and social/emotional realms. The purpose of the academy is to provide students with social/emotional/behavioral issues a state-of-the-art therapeutic day program. Through hands-on instructional experiences, as well as a therapeutic approach in art, music, and movement, the program is designated to meet all of the needs of this diverse student population.

Job Summary:

Paraprofessionals provide essential support to certified teachers and clinicians by assisting in the implementation of curriculum, individualized education plans, and behavior plans for students. They help create a safe, structured, and supportive classroom environment, manage crises using de-escalation techniques, and support students in both academic and social-emotional growth. Working closely with a multidisciplinary team, paraprofessionals reinforce lesson content, model appropriate behaviors, and assist with daily routines to promote student success and independence.

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.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Match
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off

Requirements

License/Certification:

Illinois State Board of Education Paraprofessional License (Required)

Other Requirements

Background Check, Physical Exam