Special Education Paraprofessional

Darien Public Schools; Darien (CT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Connecticut is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to support students with special needs at Darien High School. This role involves assisting special education teachers, providing direct support to students, and ensuring their welfare during school activities. Candidates must hold an Associate's degree or equivalent qualifications. This position offers opportunities for professional growth in a supportive educational environment.

Qualifications

• Must be capable of physically assisting students with special needs.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under the direction of others.
• Willing to assume responsibilities appropriate for the position.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under supervision and with others.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing special education and related services.
• Provide direct assistance to students during instructional activities.
• Assist in student supervision to meet individual needs.
• Participate in training activities as required.
• Participate in training activities as required by the District.
• Perform other duties as directed by the principal and/or supervising teacher.

Skills

Ability to assist students effectively

Physical assistance capabilities

Cooperation and teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

Associate's degree or ParaPro score of 457

Job description

Special Education Paraprofessional

Location: Darien High School

Effective: January 20, 2026

Hours: 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM (or as directed by School Principal) 6.5 hours and .5 unpaid lunch

Terms of Employment: Per the Agreement between the Darien Board of Education and the Darien Paraprofessionals Union

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

Special education aides work under the overall supervision of their building principal with direct supervision provided by special education teachers. They are employed when required to implement special education or related services for a class and/or to provide direct assistance to students. Their duties will vary depending upon the age of students served as well as the nature and severity of the student’s disabilities.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist Special Education Teachers to implement special education and related services
• Assist students to complete instructional activities
• Assist in the supervision of students as required to meet individual needs
• Provide physical assistance based on student need, including but not limited to lifting, transferring, moving from class to class, feeding, toileting, restraining
• Participate in training activities as required by the District
• Perform other duties as directed by the principal and/or supervising teacher, which are related to facilitating success (i.e. instructional, social, behavioral) for students with disabilities
• Such other related duties as assigned

Job Specifications

ABA experience preferred

Candidates for special education aide positions must:

• Hold an Associate's degree (or equivalent) or ParaPro score of 457 - https://www.ets.org/parapro
• Be capable of physically assisting students with special needs as required (positioning, lifting, toileting, transferring, restraining, etc.)
• Have demonstrated ability to work effectively under the direction of others
• Have demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others
• Have willingness to assume any responsibilities appropriate for the position

Application Process

Internal applicants (current employees of the Darien Public Schools in any capacity) must submit an Internal Applicant application via Applitrack, including uploading a current resume and cover letter, to: www.darienps.org, Departments, Human Resources, Employment Opportunities.

External applicants must submit an electronic application via Applitrack: www.darienps.org, Departments, Human Resources, Employment Opportunities. Supporting documentation, such as a cover letter, resume, and letters of recommendation, must be uploaded to the electronic application. Paper and emailed application materials will not be accepted. No phone calls, please.

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Nondiscrimination Statement

Darien Public Schools is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons and equal access to Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. Darien Public Schools does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws. The Darien Public Schools does not unlawfully discriminate in employment and licensing against qualified persons with a prior criminal conviction. Inquiries regarding Darien Public Schools nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Marjorie B. Cion, Director of Human Resources, [e-mail], 203-656-7406, Board of Education Offices, 35 Leroy Ave., Darien, CT 06820.