Special Education Aide (District Floater)

Framingham Public Schools; Framingham (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$1,400 stipend for certain certified roles

Job summary

Framingham Public Schools is seeking a dedicated aide to assist students with disabilities, providing support in various educational settings. The position involves following IEP provisions, maintaining a positive learning environment, and collaborating with educators to meet individual student needs.

Qualified candidates should have an Associate degree or equivalent, experience with special needs children is preferred, and possess strong communication and organizational skills. A stipend is available for certified paraprofessionals.

Qualifications

• Assist students with disabilities under the direction of a certified teacher.
• Preferred experience with children, especially those with disabilities.
• Strong commitment to ongoing professional learning.

Responsibilities

• Assist in instruction and supervision of students.
• Follow provisions in students’ Individual Education Programs (IEPs).
• Provide physical management as necessary.

Skills

Strong oral and written communication

Ability to analyze and interpret regulations

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Technology proficiency (Google Workspace)

Education

Associate degree or 48 credit hours

Job description

Position Summary

Assist student(s) with disabilities under the direction of a certified teacher, primarily in inclusionary settings. The aide supports the teacher in daily classroom activities, promotes student physical, emotional health and safety, and fosters dignity and independence while meeting Framingham Public Schools’ high expectations for achievement and equal access to instruction. A stipend of $1,400 is available for certified paraprofessionals working in autism, multi‑disabilities, or toileting support teams.

Qualifications

• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Associate (or higher) degree, or at least two years of post‑secondary education equaling 48 credit hours from an accredited institution (otherwise must pass the Para­pro Test).
• Training and Experience: Preferred experience with children, especially students with autism, developmental delays, multiple disabilities, learning disabilities, or emotional disabilities. Desired additional training in child development, education, or a related field.
• Skills and Ability: Strong oral and written communication; ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional literature and regulations; sound reasoning and problem‑solving; use of evidence‑based research; positive working relationships with students, families, and colleagues; organizational and time‑management skills; compliance with district, state, and federal laws; cultural proficiency; confidentiality; professionalism; technology proficiency (Google Workspace for Education); commitment to ongoing professional learning; data‑driven instructional decisions; lesson planning; instructional technology integration; proactive, reflective, and solution‑focused approach.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in instruction and supervision of students, supporting academic, social, and behavioral needs in various settings with teacher direction.
• Follow provisions in students’ Individual Education Programs (IEPs).
• Assist with test taking and administer assessments.
• Provide physical management, including crisis management, following district‑approved restraint procedures and safe handling of students who may harm themselves or others.
• Attend training and maintain certifications in de‑escalation and physical management techniques.
• Collect data and report student concerns and progress.
• Escort and supervise students to and from school facilities.
• Collaborate with special education, general education, and related service staff.
• Create a positive learning environment and address individual student needs.
• Assist with daily tasks such as eating, mobility, communication, dressing, toileting, and diapering.
• Promote independence for students with disabilities.
• Safeguard confidential information (FERPA/HIPAA).
• Perform other duties as directed by teachers, principals, supervisors, or district policy.

Physical Working Conditions

• Move throughout the school building.
• Remain stationary for extended periods.
• Reach with hands and arms, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Lift at least 20 lbs.
• Operate computer and office machinery.
• Enter and exit classroom and other areas.
• Communicate in person, via email, or telephone.
• Possibly work outdoors (recess, drills).
• Potential exposure to bodily fluids or pathogens.
• Possible injuries from aggressive students.
• Provide personal care, including toileting, as needed.

Reports To

• Building Principal and Coordinator of Special Education Evaluation Team.
• Performance evaluated under the Framingham Teachers Association (Unit T) Contract.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA) Classification

• Non‑Exempt (Hourly).

Terms of Employment

• Covered under Framingham Teachers Association (Unit T) Contract.
• The District reserves the right to transfer personnel as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Framingham Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. The district complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination. The policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Framingham Public Schools expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, ancestry, marital status, or veteran status. The district prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located on the Framingham Public Schools School Committee website. Revised 2025.