Special Education Paraprofessional

Paraprofessional Job Description Natura Academy is seeking applicants to apply for an open Program Assistant position, starting in the Fall of 2026. Natura Academy is located in Hoffman Estates (Cook County) Illinois. It is a private therapeutic day school providing support for K-12th grade students in special education.

Mission :

Natura Academy believes every student can thrive when supported by adults who have an unwavering belief in their potential. We believe behavior reflects emerging skills, and that students can be developed through strength-based, evidence-based strategies rooted in restorative and Narrative Practices. Through strong family partnerships, aligned staff, and positive adult support, Natura Academy creates a supportive environment that fosters healthy emotional expression, self-advocacy, and engaged learning; we equip students and families with the skills and confidence needed for lasting success beyond the classroom.

Function / Position

Summary Program Assistants are essential members of the classroom and broader school community. In this role, the Program Assistant supports the school's mission by fostering a trauma-invested learning environment and collaborating with colleagues to ensure that all students and adults experience a strong sense of safety, belonging, and connection. Working under the supervision of a classroom teacher, Program Assistants help maintain a safe, nurturing learning environment while supporting academic instruction and behavioral interventions. Program Assistants uphold strict confidentiality of student information and serve as collaborative, contributing members of instructional and school-based teams. Job Duties/Responsibilities Implement instructional lessons and related activities for individual students or small and whole groups under the guidance of the assigned certified teacher. Utilize CPI-informed de-escalation strategies to proactively prevent and safely respond to student behavioral escalations, including verbal intervention techniques, supportive stance, co-regulation strategies, and trauma-informed communication. Provide emotional regulation support through modeling, prompting, and reinforcing coping strategies consistent with students' individualized behavior plans. Observe, document, and report student behavior, including antecedents, behaviors, and consequences (ABC data), as requested. Collaborate with the classroom teacher and related service providers to prepare, organize, and maintain instructional materials and behavior support resources. Escort and supervise students within the school building as needed, ensuring safety and adherence to established behavioral and crisis protocols. Assist in implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), safety plans, and restorative practices. Maintain CPI certification and participate in ongoing professional development related to crisis prevention, behavior intervention, and therapeutic supports. Participate in meetings, including IEP meetings and behavioral team meetings, as assigned. Participate in various committees to improve school programming and strengthen therapeutic supports. Perform other duties as assigned. Education/Qualifications (Must meet one of the following) Associate's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college/university. 60 semester hours of college coursework (100-level or higher) from a regionally accredited college/university. High school diploma or GED and a passing score on an approved assessment test: ETS ParaPro Assessment with a score of 460 or higher, or

ACT WorkKeys Tests:

Applied Mathematics — Score of 4 Reading for Information / Workplace Documents — Score of 4

Note:

Illinois is transitioning testing requirements; testing options may change after mid-2026 (e.g., a new Pearson Vue paraprofessional test). Crisis Prevention Intervention Training- CPI (provided annually) Trauma Informed Practices (provided annually) Restorative Practices (provided annually) Bilingual - Spanish/English (written/verbal) preferred. Licensing Process Apply through the Illinois Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). Pay a state application fee (typically around $100 plus a registration fee). Submit official transcripts or test score reports as required. Register your license once it's issued — it's not valid for employment until registered. The regular paraprofessional license is valid for five years and can be renewed with payment of the registration fee.

Experience / Knowledge

Effective communication skills. Experience working with students in an educational setting is preferred. Physical Demands Excellent physical agility and quick response time. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Application process:

Applicants should email a current resume, references, and transcripts to

Director Dana Fair:

dfair@naturaacademy.net and Principal Mary Mangione mmangione@naturaacademy.net

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$38,500.00 - $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person