Special Education Teaching Assistant (Self-Contained) - STEPS

Indian Prairie School District 204

Aurora (IL)

On-site

USD 26,000 - 29,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Indian Prairie School District 204 is hiring a full-time paraeducator to support students with IEP objectives and daily living skills. You will work under licensed teachers and therapists, administering tests and maintaining progress records.

The role requires PARA licensure or equivalent licensing, and familiarity with Word and Excel. Responsibilities include assisting with instruction, documenting progress, and participating in weekly team meetings to coordinate lessons and trainings.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a valid Educator License with Stipulations (PARA) or Substitute/Professional Educator License, with experience in special education preferred.
Must meet PARA licensure requirements as outlined by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Education options include associate degree or higher, 60 semester hours, or specific diploma/ACT WorkKeys scores.

Responsibilities

Assist students with learning activities and IEP objectives.
Administer curriculum-based tests and track progress.
Support with daily living needs and safety in school facilities.
Maintain accurate records and communicate progress to teachers.
Collaborate in weekly team meetings to review progress and plan lessons.
Assist in non-instructional activities and field trips as needed.

Skills

English proficiency

Basic arithmetic

Computer skills (Word, Excel)

Diversity sensitivity

Confidentiality

Student rapport

Team cooperation

Stress management

Communication

Following instructions

Education

PARA Educator License

60 semester hours

Associate degree or higher

ACT WorkKeys scores (Applied Mathematics/Reading)

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Essential Job Functions

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:

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 buses or cars at the start of classes and escort students to appropriate buses or cars at end of classes when required.
Record and update student's progress toward achievement of individual educational plan.

Summary

Full-time position available.

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 computerbased 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.

Education

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)

For more information on these requirements, please see the following website: https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-Licensure-Requirements.aspx

Equipment