Elementary Special Education Teaching Assistant (Self-Contained)

Indian Prairie Community Unit School District

United States

On-site

USD 27,896 - 30,238

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

The Indian Prairie Community Unit School District is seeking a Special Education Teaching Assistant for a full-time position. This role is aimed at assisting students with disabilities to achieve their educational goals and ensuring a supportive learning environment.

The ideal candidate will implement instructional plans, support students with activities, and utilize a valid Educator License with Stipulations. Compensation ranges from $20.25 to $21.95 per hour, with various benefits offered.

Qualifications

Must hold a valid Educator License with Stipulations (PARA), Substitute License or Professional Educator License.
Experience with special education students preferred.
Ability to lift students and assist them with daily living skills.

Responsibilities

Assist students with activities to maximize participation in learning.
Implement instructional plans as determined by teachers.
Observe and document student behaviors and progress.

Skills

Communication with students and staff

Basic arithmetic operations

Proficiency in Word and Excel

Sensitivity to individual differences

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Supportive relationship with students

Cooperative working relationships

Adaptability to stress

Ability to take responsibility for projects

Education

Valid Educator License with Stipulations (PARA)

Associate's degree or higher or equivalent

Tools

General office equipment

Personal computers

Job description

Special Education Teaching Assistant (Self-Contained) JobID: 14181

Position Type: Teacher Assistant/ Self Contained Special Education Teacher Assistant
Date Posted: 6/4/2026
Location: Multiple Locations (no travel)
Date Available: 08/2026

Summary

Full-time position available (35 hours per week). Position start date: August 2026.

Assist students with activities to maximize participation in learning and achievement of IEP objectives. Perform duties to work with assigned individuals or with groups of students to ensure students' learning and behavioral objectives are achieved, which may include the following:

Essential Job Functions

Implement instructional plans as determined by licensed teachers and therapists.
Apply lesson modifications as directed and supplement or change lesson modifications as needed to ensure that learning objectives are met. Prompt, cue and redirect students to keep on task.
Administer curriculum-based tests/quizzes.
Ensure students record assignments, have correct materials and completed assignments for class as appropriate for student needs.
Take notes of curriculum presented during class as appropriate for student needs.
Provide physical care as needed: diaper, toilet, feed, reinforce adaptive PE/motor activities per instructions from teacher and/or therapist(s); assist, as needed, with hygiene and independent living skills.
Observe, document and reinforce appropriate student behaviors; communicate activities to teacher and facilitators.
Participate in weekly team meeting to review student progress, plan upcoming lessons and participate in trainings.
Assist with non-instructional activities.
Assists in maintaining safety, behavior, decorum, and order in common areas including the lunchroom, playground, corridors, and other school facilities and on field trips.
Retrieve students from busses or cars at the start of classes and escort students to appropriate busses or cars at end of classes when required.
Record and update student's progress toward achievement of individual educational plan.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

Ability to read, write and speak English sufficient to communicate with students and staff and to assist students with instruction.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform basic arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel). Demonstrate proficiency using the technology and computer-based programs provided by the District. Use these programs to effectively manage and organize files, communication, records and databases.
Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and is sensitive to individual differences.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations and adapt in response to changing conditions.
Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
Ability to work independently, stay on-task, multi-task and take responsibility to complete assigned projects in a timely and efficient manner.

Physical Abilities

Employee must be able to use physical ability to lift students and perform other manipulations to diaper, toilet, feed, dress and assist students with other daily living skills.
Employee is regularly required to see, speak and hear; frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb, climb stairs or balance, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
Employee must be able to push, pull, lift or carry up to 50 lbs.

Education/Certifications/Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a valid Educator License with Stipulations (PARA), Substitute License, or Professional Educator License, and experience with special education students preferred.

Educator License with Stipulations (PARA) can be obtained by one of the following ways and applicants MUST submit their documentation to the DuPage Regional Office of Education in order for consideration:

At least 19 years of age
One of the Following:
- Associate's degree or higher
- 60 semester hours of coursework
- High School Diploma or GED and a score of 460 or higher on the ETS Parapro
- High School Diploma or GED and the following scores on the ACT Workkeys:
  - Applied Mathematics/Applied Math (with a score of 4)
  - Reading for information/Workplace Documents (with a score of 4)

Equipment