Special Education Aide (District Floater)

Young World Physical Education; Framingham (MA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend for autism/multi-disability classrooms

Job summary

Young World Physical Education, located in Massachusetts, is seeking a Special Education Aide to assist students with disabilities in classrooms. The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting students academically and behaviorally under the direction of certified teachers.

This role requires a commitment to maintaining a positive learning environment and adhering to district policies. The position offers a stipend for working in specific classrooms and emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and respect for all students.

Qualifications

• Some experience working with children, particularly with disabilities is preferred.
• Additional training in child development or education is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the instruction and supervision of students with special needs.
• Support students by following provisions in their Individual Education Program (IEP).
• Collect data for individual students and report progress.

Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills

Strong reasoning and problem-solving skills

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Proficiency in using technology

Ability to establish positive relationships

Education

Associate degree or 48 credit hours

Job description

Special Education Aide (District Floater)

Framingham Public Schools Department of Special Education – Framingham, Massachusetts

2025‑2026 School Year

Position Summary

To assist students with disabilities under the direction of a certified teacher by generally working in an inclusionary setting (i.e. least restrictive environment). Specifically, assist the teacher in general daily classroom activities, help students with disabilities, and care for their physical, emotional health and safety while affirming their abilities and promoting dignity in all relationships to deliver Framingham Public Schools’ high expectations for achievement and equal access to high levels of instruction.

A $1,400 stipend is available for paraprofessionals who work in an autism or multi‑disabilities classroom, or are on a changing team for a student with toileting needs.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Associate (or higher) degree, or at least two years of post‑secondary education equivalent to at least 48 credit hours from an accredited institution. Otherwise must pass the Parapro Test.

Training and Experience

• Some experience working with children, especially students with disabilities in Autism, Developmental Delays, Multiple Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, and Emotional Disabilities, is preferred.
• Additional specialized training in child development, education, or a related field is desirable.

Skills and Ability

• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to present information clearly and respond effectively to questions from students, staff, parents, and community members.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional literature, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Strong reasoning and problem‑solving skills to evaluate information, define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and recommend appropriate courses of action.
• Capacity to use professional literature, evidence‑based research, and ongoing professional learning to inform instructional and practice decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the community.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects.
• Commitment to performing all duties in compliance with district requirements, state and federal laws, and Framingham Public Schools policies.
• Demonstrated cultural proficiency and competence in working with students and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and student records.
• Professionalism and composure in responding to unpredictable or challenging situations.
• Proficiency in using technology and willingness to learn new tools; ability to operate a computer and utilize software, including Google Workspace for Education.
• Willingness to plan, coordinate, and participate in ongoing professional learning, coaching, and staff development.
• Experience in evaluating student skills, interpreting assessment data, and writing clear, concise reports.
• Strong collaborative, instructional, coaching, and leadership skills to support student programming.
• Ability to use data effectively to inform instructional decisions and improve student outcomes.
• Knowledge of specialized content areas, relevant laws, and educational procedures.
• Ability to plan and implement lessons that align with district and school goals.
• Proficiency in integrating instructional technology to enhance teaching and learning.
• A proactive, reflective, and solution‑focused approach to supporting student growth and success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the instruction and supervision of students, supporting them academically, socially, and behaviorally in inclusion, small group, individual, or sub‑separate settings with direction from the classroom teacher and/or special education teacher, service provider, or administrator.
• Support students with special needs by following provisions specified in their Individual Education Program (IEP).
• Assist students with test taking in administering standardized and non‑standardized tests, curriculum‑based measures, and other assessments.
• Provide support that may include physical management such as crisis management, taking action, or assisting educators, the school crisis team, and/or administrators in restraining students who are at risk of harming themselves or others by following school/district‑approved restraint procedures to ensure safety; training provided.
• Attend training and maintain certification in de‑escalation and physical management techniques.
• Collect data for individual students and report concerns and/or progress information for each student.
• Escort and supervise students to and from various school facilities and areas.
• Take the initiative to work collaboratively with special education, general education teachers, and related service staff.
• Assist in establishing a positive learning environment and respond to the individual needs of students.
• Assist students with everyday tasks such as eating, mobility, communication, dressing, and toileting, including diapering.
• Promote independence for students with disabilities.
• Safeguard confidential information to ensure compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Perform other general duties as indicated by the teacher, principal, supervisors/directors, directives of the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee, and policies of the Framingham School Committee.

Physical Working Conditions

• Required to move about and traverse throughout the school building.
• Required to remain in a stationary position for considerable periods of time.
• Occasional reach with hands and arms; sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Expected to lift at least 20 lbs (e.g., books, school supplies).
• Must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and use hand strength to grasp tools.
• Must assist students who have physical difficulties.
• Must operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Must input information into a computer and read material from a computer monitor as well as handwritten or printed matter with or without visual aids.
• Must communicate effectively with students, parents, and other staff members in person, via email, and on the telephone.
• May be required to move quickly across even or uneven surfaces.
• Must interact with students, parents, and other staff members and meet multiple demands.
• While most of the workday is spent indoors, students must spend time outdoors for recess, fire drills, and special activities.
• May be exposed to bodily fluids, disease, or pathogens.
• May receive injuries from aggressive students.
• May require some degree of physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling behavior.
• May provide limited personal care to students.
• Must occasionally lift or position students to provide services.
• Must stand, walk, and/or push a wheelchair for extended periods and provide assistance and personal care to students.
• May be asked to assist with toileting, depending on a student's needs.

Reports To

• Building Principal and Coordinator of Special Education Evaluation Team.
• Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Framingham Teachers Association (Unit T) Contract.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Classification

This position is classified as 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 to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Framingham Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the District has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, 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 Framingham Public Schools prohibit sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at the Framingham Public Schools School Committee website. Framingham Public Schools Nondiscrimination Notice.