Special Education Educational Assistant

Sylvania; Lennox (SD); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Lennox School District is seeking an Educational Assistant to support students with disabilities in inclusive and specialized settings, under the direction of certified staff. You will assist with instruction, behavior, communication, and personal care needs to help students access and participate in their educational program in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment.

Requirements include a high school diploma and/or associate degree or higher (Para Pro or willingness to complete Para Pro),

Qualifications

• High school diploma and/or Associate Degree or higher, and/or 48 credit hours completed, and/or Para Pro or willingness to complete Para Pro
• Ability to work effectively with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow directions and work under the supervision of certified staff
• Demonstrated skills in communication, collaboration, and professionalism
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality (FERPA/IDEA compliance)
• Be at least 18 years of age

Responsibilities

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction of special education and general education teachers
• Support implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies
• Reinforce teacher-led instruction with individuals and small groups
• Collect and record academic and behavioral data to support progress monitoring
• Provide support to students across settings (classroom, resource room, recess, lunch, transitions, community-based instruction, etc.)
• Assist students in accessing curriculum and participating in school activities in the least restrictive environment (LRE)
• Support the development of communication, social, and functional skills
• Supervise students to ensure safety and engagement
• Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and follow through consistently
• Support students with emotional or behavioral needs using positive behavior strategies
• Assist students in developing appropriate social skills and self-regulation
• Respond to challenging behaviors using trained de-escalation techniques
• Assist with personal care needs as required (toileting, feeding, hygiene, positioning, lifting, transferring)
• Follow student-specific health care plans (e.g., seizure protocols, diabetes plans)
• Maintain a safe environment and respond appropriately in emergency situations
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with: Special education teachers/case managers, General education teachers, Related service providers (SLP, OT, PT, etc.) , Administration and support staff
• Follow the chain of commands, reporting directly to the supervising teacher and/or administration
• Participate in staff meetings, IEP-related meetings (as appropriate), and training opportunities
• Maintain confidentiality in all student and staff matters (required under IDEA and FERPA)
• Demonstrate professionalism in behavior, communication, attendance, and appearance
• Be flexible and adaptable to schedule and assignment changes based on student needs
• Take initiative and assist proactively within the assigned role
• Follow the Lennox School District’s mission/vision, policies, and procedures
• Provide or assist with transportation of students when required by the district
• Be willing to move between classrooms, buildings, or grade levels based on student needs
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervising teacher, principal, special education director, or superintendent

Skills

Ability to work with children with dis

Follow directions under supervision

Communication collaboration and pros

Age 18+

FERPA/IDEA confidentiality awareness

Education

High school diploma or higher / Para Pro

Job description

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma and/or Associate Degree or higher, and/or 48 credit hours completed, and/or Para Pro or willingness to complete Para Pro
• Ability to work effectively with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow directions and work under the supervision of certified staff
• Demonstrated skills in communication, collaboration, and professionalism
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality (FERPA/IDEA compliance)
• Be at least 18 years of age

REPORTS TO: Special Education Teacher, Building Principal, Director of Student Services

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

To support students with disabilities in inclusive and specialized educational settings by assisting with instruction, behavior, communication, and personal care needs under the direction of a certified special education teacher. The Educational Assistant helps ensure students can access and participate in their educational program in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction of special education and general education teachers
• Support implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies
• Reinforce teacher-led instruction with individuals and small groups
• Collect and record academic and behavioral data to support progress monitoring
• Provide support to students across settings (classroom, resource room, recess, lunch, transitions, community-based instruction, etc.)
• Assist students in accessing curriculum and participating in school activities in the least restrictive environment (LRE)
• Support the development of communication, social, and functional skills
• Supervise students to ensure safety and engagement
• Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and follow through consistently
• Support students with emotional or behavioral needs using positive behavior strategies
• Assist students in developing appropriate social skills and self-regulation
• Respond to challenging behaviors using trained de-escalation techniques
• Assist with personal care needs as required (toileting, feeding, hygiene, positioning, lifting, transferring)
• Follow student-specific health care plans (e.g., seizure protocols, diabetes plans)
• Maintain a safe environment and respond appropriately in emergency situations
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with: Special education teachers/case managers, General education teachers, Related service providers (SLP, OT, PT, etc.) , Administration and support staff
• Follow the chain of commands, reporting directly to the supervising teacher and/or administration
• Participate in staff meetings, IEP-related meetings (as appropriate), and training opportunities
• Maintain confidentiality in all student and staff matters (required under IDEA and FERPA)
• Demonstrate professionalism in behavior, communication, attendance, and appearance
• Be flexible and adaptable to schedule and assignment changes based on student needs
• Take initiative and assist proactively within the assigned role
• Follow the Lennox School District’s mission/vision, policies, and procedures
• Provide or assist with transportation of students when required by the district
• Be willing to move between classrooms, buildings, or grade levels based on student needs
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervising teacher, principal, special education director, or superintendent

Positions Open Until Filled