Pre-K Educational Support Professional (Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional)

Westford Public Schools; Westford (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Westford Public Schools is seeking a Pre-K Educational Support Professional (Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional) at Col. John Robinson School in Westford, MA. The ESP supports early learners under the guidance of certified teachers.

Responsibilities include individualized instruction, adapting materials, assisting with assignments, implementing strategies, and data collection. The role emphasizes behavior support, classroom management, and collaboration with staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; higher education or professional training preferred.
• Experience supporting students with and without disabilities is desirable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in line with school policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one, small group or whole group instruction to students.
• Adapt materials as directed by the teacher.
• Assist students with completing assignments, projects and activities.
• Implement instructional strategies and accommodations as directed by the teacher.
• Utilize assistive technology and other equipment to support learning.
• Read tests aloud, take notes and provide accommodations as directed.
• Help students develop organizational and study skills.
• Assist in classroom management, organization and material preparation.
• Supervise students during transitions, lunch, recess and non-instructional times.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Strong organizational skills

Communication

Patience and empathy

Education

High school diploma

Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Pre-K Educational Support Professional (Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional)

Westford Public Schools, Col. John Robinson School - Westford, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5901228

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Aug 25, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 31, 2026

Job Description

Position: Educational Support Professional Pre-K Classroom

Unit E Contract 2025 - 2028

Organizational Scope:
Reporting directly to building based administration and an assigned cooperating teacher(s), and working under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement with Westford Education Association/Unit E, the Educational Support Professional (ESP) advances the mission of WPS by developing curious lifelong learners who are responsible, empathetic members of the community, demonstrating innovation through a wide variety of opportunities within inclusive, joyful learning environments that embrace their variability and honor their diversity.

Position Responsibilities: The ESP plays a vital role in supporting students' academic, social, and emotional growth within the educational setting. The ESP works closely with certified teachers to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. All ESPs are expected to communicate effectively with their cooperating teacher regarding student progress, behavior, and any concerns. As with all members of the school community, ESPs must maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with school policies and legal requirements.

Instructional support may include, but not limited to:

• providing one-on-one, small group or whole group instruction to students with and without special needs, reinforcing lessons and
• adapting materials as directed by the teacher;
• assisting students with completing assignments, projects, and activities, offering guidance and encouragement.;
• implementing instructional strategies and accommodations, as directed by the teacher;
• utilizing assistive technology and other specialized equipment to support student learning
• reading tests aloud, taking notes, and providing other accommodations as directed by the teacher; and
• helping students develop organizational and study skills.

Behavioral support may include, but not limited to:

• assisting the implementation of positive behavior support plans and strategies;
• monitoring and redirecting student behavior, promoting a positive and safe learning environment;
• helping students develop social skills and appropriate interactions with peers; and
• providing support during behavioral crisis, following established protocols and training.

Overall classroom management support may include, but not limited to:

• assisting the teacher with classroom management, organization, and preparation of materials;
• helping set up instructional materials, visual aids, and equipment;
• maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly classroom environment; and
• supervising students during transitions, lunch, recess, and other non-instructional times.

In addition to the core responsibilities of ESPs as outlined above, the specialized ESP's listed have additional duties described below.

Classroom ESP: The preschool/kindergarten ESP assists the classroom teacher in providing effective instruction and support to all students in the general education classroom, promoting their independence and maximizing their participation in learning activities. Given the developmental age, some ESPs are asked to facilitate personal care, including hand washing, assisting with outer clothing, especially in winter and toileting, which may include escorting students to the bathroom or an occasional accident.

In some cases personal Adaptive Daily Living Skills care such as supporting personal hygiene, feeding, dressing is required. Based on the level of care required, an ESP may be asked to assist with physical transfer and positioning of students, as directed by therapists and with proper training.

Data Collection and Progress Monitoring is an important requirement in special education; therefore an ESP may be asked to collect data on student performance and behavior as directed by the teacher and assist in tracking student progress towards IEP goals.

Job Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a high school diploma. Further formal education such as an associates or bachelor degree or demonstrate professional training is preferred. The candidate should possess:

• solid communication skills and demonstrate interpersonal skills;
• an ability to relate well with students, staff, administrators, parents/caregivers and the community.
• patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in working with students with and without special needs;
• understanding of the unique needs of students with disabilities;
• ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• ability to maintain confidentiality; and
• willingness to participate in required training, such as behavior management techniques

Physical Demands: Physical demands vary in keeping with the assignment and age of the students, but the position generally requires the ability to walk and stand on tile flooring, occasionally lift up to 25 pounds, and bend/twist regularly at the waist, knees and neck. Some ESPs may be required to assist students with mobility, including lifting and transferring (with training).

Depending on the assignment, much of the work is performed in a typical classroom environment. This may include everyday discomforts and distractions typical of a school setting, such as proximity to students and colleagues, temperature variations, frequent interruptions and moderate noise. Must be able to assist in the protection of students and school property, and assist in fire and other emergencies drills as required by law and School Committee policy.

Terms of Employment: The Educational Support Professional is a Westford Public Schools Unit E position. Terms of employment, including evaluation and salary are covered by the provisions of the Unit E collective bargaining agreement currently in effect.

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $23 to $31 Per Hour

Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Individual Aide

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Special Education > General Special Education

Welcome to Col. John Robinson School

The Colonel John Robinson Elementary School is one of three PK-2 schools in the town of Westford. At Robinson, we strive to promote excellence and to assist students in reaching their fullest potential. In order for this to happen, we know that we must provide students with a safe environment in which to learn. From the moment students and their parents/guardians walk through the doors of our school, it is important to us that they feel welcome and part of a community. We accomplish this goal by teaching and practicing our core values of Safety, Perseverance, Inclusion, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork (SPIRIT). Students at Robinson demonstrate these core values each day through their words and actions.As a staff, we are committed to our continued growth as educators. The open concept structure of our building provides us with a unique opportunity to collaborate regularly, and, as such, build in our capacity as a staff. Teachers often bring classes together when introducing a new skill or concept so that students also have a greater chance for collaboration. Staff members at Robinson work diligently to implement research-based best practices, and continually seek ways to build upon their already strong skill set. This is accomplished through school and district based professional development, and also participation in professional learning communities.Students who attend the Robinson School are exposed to a variety of learning opportunities. Our staff members believe in the importance of educating the whole child. To that end, students receive direct and explicit lessons in character education. These skills are also practiced and reinforced throughout our school building, and throughout the school day. Each grade level participates in “compassion projects” that support our greater community, such as fundraisers and food/can drives. These experiences emphasize the value of caring for each other. Learning at Robinson includes activities that are applicable to the real world, whenever possible. To better prepare our students for 21st century careers, we know that we must develop, cultivate, and support our students’ ability to think critically, to communicate effectively, to create bravely, and to collaborate productively.

Job Requirements

• Strong Interpersonal Skills
• Strong Organizational Skills
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Gina Kutarnia , Assistant Principal
• 60 Concord Road
• Westford, Massachusetts 01886
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]