Special Education Preschool Assistant 26/27 SY

ReNEW Schools; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Wellness programs

Job summary

ReNEW Schools in Indianapolis is seeking Special Education Support Staff to empower growth for students with disabilities. This role involves close collaboration with teachers to adapt curriculum and enhance learning experiences, ensuring all students receive the necessary support to thrive.

Ideal candidates should have an Associate's degree or relevant college credits and demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills. The position aims to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment while providing competitive benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Ability to support students with disabilities.
• Capability to adapt curriculum under teacher directive.
• Willingness to undergo training for crisis intervention.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers to support instructional needs.
• Assist students individually or in groups with assignments.
• Monitor student activities in various settings.

Skills

Patience

Flexibility

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Associates Degree or 60 credit hours

Job description

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS!

At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, you’ll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You’ll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key—you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.

We are Proving What’s Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

A SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT CAREER IN IPS OFFERS…

Purpose and Impact:

• Empowering Student Growth: Special Education Support Staff play a vital role in ensuring students with disabilities receive the care, assistance, and individualized attention they need to thrive. Your work fosters independence, confidence, and success.
• Ensuring Access for Every Learner: At IPS, we are committed to removing barriers and providing the tools and support necessary to help all students succeed. You will be a champion for students, creating accessible learning experiences that meet diverse needs.
• Collaborative Teamwork: You will work closely with Special Education Teachers, therapists, and general educators, ensuring that students receive comprehensive, coordinated support in and out of the classroom.

Professional and Personal Growth:

• Specialized Training & Development: IPS invests in Special Education Support Staff with targeted professional development, training in behavioral strategies, and ongoing mentorship opportunities.
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Whether you are just beginning your career or looking to grow within the field, IPS offers pathways for advancement, including leadership opportunities and additional certifications.

Work‑Life Balance and Well‑being:

• Comprehensive Benefits: IPS provides competitive pay and access to robust health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs designed to support you and your family.
• Supportive Work Environment: We value our Special Education Support Staff and ensure you have the tools, training, and community to succeed while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling career.

What We Expect …

Commitment to Excellence:

• High Standards for Student Support: We expect our Special Education Support Staff to provide thoughtful, high‑quality assistance that helps students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
• Ensuring Every Student Has What They Need to Succeed: IPS is committed to helping all students access the education, resources, and support they need to reach their full potential. You will play a key role in creating a welcoming, respectful, and encouraging learning environment.

Resilience and Passion:

• Dedication to Students: Supporting students with special needs requires patience, flexibility, and a strong commitment to their success. You will help ensure that students receive the tools and guidance they need to meet their goals.
• Adaptability in a Fast‑Paced Environment: Each day brings new challenges and opportunities. You must be resourceful, creative, and solution‑focused, always working to provide the best possible experience for students.

Professional Integrity:

• Strong Communication and Collaboration: Upholding professionalism and clear communication is critical. You will work closely with families, teachers, and specialists to ensure students receive the support they need.
• A Team‑Oriented Approach: Special Education is a shared effort. IPS looks for support staff who work well in a team setting, bring a positive attitude, and foster strong relationships with students, colleagues, and families.

Join Us

Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace—it’s a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What’s Possible in your career and in our schools. If you’re ready to make a difference, advocate for students, and bring excellence to Special Education, IPS is the place for you.

Summary of Opportunity

Performs any combination of the following instructional tasks to assist teaching staff of elementary or secondary school students (preschool through 22 years of age). Other duties may also be assigned by the teacher, principal, and/or Director of Special Education or designee.

What You’ll Do:

Collaborates with classroom teacher to coordinate instructional support responsibilities.

• Under a teacher's supervision, plans, prepares and develops various teaching aids, such as study guides, charts and visual auditory supports.
• Under a teacher's supervision, presents subject matter information to students, utilizing a variety of teaching methods and techniques.
• Administers and grades tests and assessments.
• Assists students individually or in groups, with academic assignments and social skills to reinforce learning.
• Supports activities of daily living may include toileting, feeding.
• Physically restrain a student in therapeutic holds only after participating in nonviolent crisis intervention training.
• Utilize de‑escalation verbal intervention techniques with students.
• Provides supervision, participation and instruction for students in Community Based Instruction on public transportation, on job sites, and recreational activities, which could include aquatic activities, therapeutic horseback riding, challenge courses, etc.
• Monitors students in the classroom, cafeteria, on the playground and in the community. (May need to guide play and intervene with behavior.)
• Instructs students in language development and alternate communication systems.
• Assists with getting students on and off the bus.
• Adapts curriculum and modify assignments for students attending general education classes under teacher directive.
• Attends work daily and demonstrates punctuality. Follow the Indianapolis Public Schools policies on attendance and tardiness.
• Provides support for students as planned by professional staff (teachers, OT, PT, social workers, etc.)
• Follows team prescribed procedures for academic, social, communication and behavioral intervention plans.
• Communicates respectfully and works collaboratively with all students, families and school staff.
• Participates in professional development in‑services and training.
• Provides short‑term coverage for professional and other classroom assistants.
• Special Education floaters must have reliable transportation and be willing to go to all IPS schools and work with students of all ages and ability levels.

Confidentiality

Demonstrate strict standards of confidentiality, following the guidelines of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Associates Degree or sixty semester hours of college credit or successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment test. Basic computer skills helpful.

Language Skills

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence, record data. Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to students and staff of the organization.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or lesson plan format. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to deal with problems responsibly and effectively.

Screening Requirements

Completion of required items (fingerprinting, CPR and Drug Screen) to qualify for working at a certified preschool location.

Certificates, Licenses, Etc.

None

Physical Demands

The ability to push a wheelchair, to walk with students in/around the school neighborhood, to bus stops, and in the community. Ability to interact with students on the floor and assist in a variety of therapeutic positions. Participate in two‑person lifts for students who weigh more than 90 lbs. Ability to write, copy and comprehend oral and visual information to support students.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and/or walk for 30 minutes continuously. The employee is occasionally required to sit for 60 minutes continuously; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Some programs may require the employee to participate in specialized activities such as therapeutic horseback riding, swimming activities, ropes courses, etc.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.