Special Education Paraprofessional (IDEA) - 2026/27 School Year

Special Education Paraprofessional

West Elementary School currently has multiple openings for a Special Education Paraprofessional. This position provides instructional and other support services in various classroom settings to students under the supervision of a teacher or other professional staff member. This position will require the paraprofessional to support academic, behavioral, language and/or physical needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Communicate with teachers, staff, support services and students
• Collaborate and foster teamwork
• Maintain anecdotal notes and data recording as needed
• Contribute strategies for developing acceptance of student(s) by school community; facilitate students' social interaction with teacher and peers
• Assist staff with other activities when available
• Assist/monitor student(s) to and from bus when needed
• Assist/monitor student(s) recess period indoors and outdoors when needed
• Assist/monitor student(s) in lunchroom and hallways as appropriate
• Assist with feeding skills with appropriate supervision/training
• Assist/monitor student(s) with toileting and other physical needs - this includes providing physical assistance to a student during the act of toileting while in the toileting location
• Assist with care, correct use and maintenance of adaptive equipment
• Assist student(s) during emergency situations, drills and field trips
• Exhibit knowledge of student's IEP goals, medical needs and any student limitations
• Assist student(s) with instructional activities as outlined by staff; utilize strategies to modify materials as directed
• Implement behavioral intervention plan and procedures as needed
• Attend ongoing training as needed
• Maintain same level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as expected by staff
• Refer any questions or concerns from parents to appropriate staff members
• Assist student(s) to complete lesson activities, assignments and assessments
• Assist in implementation of test accommodations/modifications during test administration
• Ability to work with multiple needs across multiple grades
• Communicate (verbal or written) with parents as directed by teacher, administration, and related service staff
• CPI Certification encouraged and will be provided by District 47

Skills and Experience Required:

• Valid ISBE Paraprofessional License or Short Term Approval
• Basic knowledge and willingness to learn appropriate use of technology
• Desire to work with students with special needs
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Maintain confidentiality of students and their records
• Understand basic elements of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

Physical/Mental Requirements:

• Requires sitting, standing, lifting, bending, walking and running
• Demonstrate high level of flexibility, positive attitude, patience, sense of humor, perseverance, tenacity and concentration

Definition of toileting: Due to a child's disability or medical condition, the para must provide physical assistance to a student during the act of toileting while in the toileting location. (examples: removing all undergarments, wiping, physically assisting onto and off the toilet area)

Starting Rate $18.20/hour. Eligible for paid time off benefits, and medical insurance benefits