Substitute Teacher Assistant

Ampersand Therapy LLC; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Professional development and licensing

Paid volunteer time

Mileage reimbursement

W-2 employment

Referral bonuses

No non-compete clauses

Job summary

Ampersand Therapy LLC is hiring substitute paraprofessionals to join our school-based team for the 2026–2027 school year in the Downers Grove, IL area. We offer mentorship, responsive support, and a culture of care and inclusion as a therapist-founded company.

As a Substitute Teacher Assistant, you will provide 1:1 and small group behavioral support for students with autism and related disabilities, working closely with teachers and service providers to create a safe, inclusive learning

Qualifications

• Illinois Paraprofessional Educator License required.
• Previous school experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting students with behavioral or social-communication disabilities required.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group behavioral support to students with autism and/or other behavioral challenges.
• Implement behavior strategies and accommodations designed by educators and behavior specialists.
• Foster an inclusive, positive classroom environment.
• Support students' social-emotional and academic development.
• Communicate professionally with teachers, school teams, and families.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation.

Skills

Behavioral support

Paraprofessional license

Education

Illinois Paraprofessional Educator License

Job description

Job Title: Substitute Teacher Assistant Pay Range: $20-25/hour Job Description: Up to $25/hour | Substitute Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional for 2026-2027 School Year | Downers Grove, IL

Ampersand Therapy is hiring substitute paraprofessionals to join our school-based team for the 2026–2027 school year in the Downers Grove, IL area. As a therapist-founded company, Ampersand Therapy centers the experiences of school-based professionals. We offer strong mentorship, responsive support, and a workplace culture built on care, inclusion, and professional respect.

Position Details

Schedule: Per Diem, Monday - Friday Location: Downs Grove, IL Area Start Date: August 2026

Assignment Focus

Support students with autism and/or multiple disabilities in the classroom. Work closely with teachers and related service providers to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

Your Key Responsibilities

Provide 1:1 and small group behavioral support to students with autism and/or other behavioral challenges Implement behavior strategies and accommodations designed by educators and behavior specialists Foster an inclusive, positive classroom environment Support students' social-emotional and academic development Communicate professionally with teachers, school teams, and families Maintain accurate and timely documentation

Qualifications

Illinois Paraprofessional Educator License required Previous school experience strongly preferred Experience supporting students with behavioral or social-communication disabilities required Must pass a criminal background check

Physical Requirements

Occasionally: Sit/stand, reach above shoulder level, stoop/bend, climb stairs, repetitive arm/hand motions Occasionally/Frequently: Lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs., push/pull, twist, squat/crouch Frequently/Continuously: Lift and/or carry up to 10 lbs. Continuously: Handle/grasp

Why Join Ampersand Therapy?

We’re a women and therapist-founded company designed to support school-based professionals. Our team is small, responsive, and deeply committed to your success.

Benefits & Perks (for 0.8 FTE and higher):

• Paid sick leave
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Professional development and licensing reimbursements
• Paid volunteer time
• Mileage reimbursement
• W-2 employment
• Referral bonuses
• No non-compete clauses

An Inclusive Workplace Ampersand Therapy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates of every race, gender identity, sexual orientation, background, and ability status. We're a small business, local to many of the areas we hire in, and are proud to be women, minority, and therapist-founded and run. We began our career working in schools both as district and contract employees. We sought to create an alternative to working with big staffing companies. The result is a small team of like-minded specialists who are striving to create a company that we would want to work for. Because we are therapists ourselves, we are deeply appreciative of and understand the work that you do. We're also in a unique position to be able to support and mentor those who are new to this practice area. We’re so passionate about students that we’re often working in the schools ourselves. You might find us doing treatments alongside you!