Education Assistant

Job Purpose

The Classroom Education Assistant (Paraprofessional) supports students with disabilities in achieving their educational, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional goals within a special education classroom. Working under the direction of a licensed Special Education Teacher, the Classroom Education Assistant implements instructional activities, reinforces Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, provides behavioral support, assists with daily living skills as needed, and helps create a safe, structured, and positive learning environment that promotes student independence and success.

Essential Functions

Student Instruction & Academic Support

• Assist in implementing instructional activities developed by the Special Education Teacher.
• Provide one-on-one and small group instructional support to reinforce academic concepts.
• Adapt instructional materials and learning activities to meet individual student needs.
• Support students in completing assignments while encouraging independence.
• Reinforce IEP goals through daily classroom activities

Behavioral Support

• Implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and positive behavior support strategies.
• Utilize trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches to support student success.
• Model appropriate social skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving techniques.
• Assist in de-escalating challenging behaviors using approved intervention techniques.
• Maintain consistent classroom routines and expectations.

Classroom Environment

• Help maintain a safe, organized, and engaging classroom environment.
• Prepare instructional materials and classroom resources.
• Supervise students during classroom transitions, recess, lunch, field trips, and community-based instruction.
• Assist with classroom organization, inventory, and cleanliness.
• Support implementation of classroom schedules and routines.

Documentation & Communication

• Collect and record data related to student progress toward IEP goals.
• Document behavioral incidents, interventions, and student participation.
• Communicate relevant observations to the supervising teacher.
• Maintain confidentiality of all student records and information in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA (when applicable), and organizational policies.

Safety

• Maintain constant awareness of student safety.
• Follow emergency procedures and crisis response protocols.
• Maintain certification in required crisis prevention and intervention techniques.
• Report accidents, injuries, or safety concerns immediately.

Job Responsibilities

• Maintain current knowledge of special education best practices, instructional strategies, trauma-informed care, behavioral interventions, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Participate in required professional development, trainings, certifications, and continuing education.
• Build collaborative relationships with teachers, therapists, administrators, families, and community partners to support student success.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability while representing the organizations mission and values.
• Contribute positively to departmental and organizational initiatives through teamwork, flexibility, problem-solving, and continuous quality improvement.
• Maintain all required certifications, licenses, and mandatory training necessary for the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support students, the educational program, and organizational operations.

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree, completion of an approved paraprofessional program, or ability to meet state paraprofessional requirements preferred.

Experience:

• Experience working with children or adolescents with disabilities preferred.
• Experience in educational, behavioral health, residential, or human services settings preferred.
• Valid drivers license.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to establish positive, respectful relationships with students who have diverse learning, behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs.
• Understanding of child development and special education practices.
• Ability to implement teacher-directed instructional and behavioral interventions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong observation and documentation skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during challenging situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and professional boundaries.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and communication.
• Ability to organize work and manage multiple priorities.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach.
• Lift, transfer, or assist students weighing up to 50 pounds independently.
• Ability to physically intervene using approved crisis intervention techniques when necessary.
• Ability to supervise students in classrooms, playgrounds, community settings, and during transportation.
• Visual, auditory, and physical ability to monitor student safety throughout the school day.

Working Conditions:

• Special education classroom and school environment.
• Frequent interaction with students exhibiting emotional, behavioral, developmental, and physical disabilities.
• Exposure to loud noise, occasional aggressive behaviors, bodily fluids, and outdoor weather conditions.