Special Education Classroom Assistant Reports To:

School Principal Department:

Special Education Grade Level:

K-6

Classification:

Full-Time, Non-Exempt Position Purpose Under the supervision of the School Principal and in collaboration with the special education teacher and classroom teachers, the Special Education Classroom Assistant provides instructional, behavioral, and personal support to students with disabilities in grades K-6. The assistant helps students access instruction, participate in classroom activities, develop independence, and make progress toward their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Essential Performance Responsibilities Provides individual and small-group support to students with disabilities under the direction of a licensed teacher. Assists with implementing accommodations, modifications, instructional strategies, behavior plans, and other supports identified in students' IEPs. Reinforces academic skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and other instructional areas. Supports students in both general education and special education settings. Helps students participate in classroom lessons, hands-on activities, transitions, arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, and other school routines. Encourages student independence by providing the appropriate level of assistance without completing tasks for students. Uses teacher-provided lesson plans, instructional materials, visual supports, assistive technology, and intervention resources. Collects and records student academic, behavioral, and functional data as directed by the special education teacher. Observes student performance and communicates relevant information to teachers and school leadership. Supports the implementation of behavior intervention plans, de-escalation strategies, positive reinforcement systems, and restorative practices. Redirects student behavior calmly, consistently, and respectfully while following established school procedures. Assists students with communication, organization, social-emotional skills, self-regulation, and daily living skills when required. Provides personal-care or mobility assistance when required by a student's IEP or individual needs and when appropriately trained. Maintains student confidentiality and complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and school policies. Helps prepare, organize, and adapt instructional materials and classroom resources. Assists in maintaining a safe, inclusive, respectful, and student-centered learning environment. Communicates professionally with teachers, administrators, related-service providers, students, and families. Participates in professional development, staff meetings, student-support meetings, and required training. Supervises students as assigned and maintains active awareness of student safety and needs. Upholds schoolwide academic, behavioral, attendance, and professional expectations. Additional Duties Assists with school events, testing, field trips, arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, and other student activities as assigned. Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee in support of the school's educational mission. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Understanding of the academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional needs of students with disabilities. Ability to follow IEPs, behavior plans, instructional plans, and teacher directions with consistency. Ability to work patiently and respectfully with students who have diverse learning, communication, sensory, behavioral, and physical needs. Knowledge of positive behavior supports, de-escalation strategies, and effective classroom-management practices. Ability to provide instructional assistance to students individually and in small groups. Ability to collect and maintain accurate student data and records. Strong communication, organization, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment. Ability to use educational technology, assistive technology, and learning-management systems. Ability to respond calmly and appropriately in challenging or emergency situations. Dependability, flexibility, professionalism, and a strong commitment to student success. Knowledge of applicable Indiana and federal special education laws and regulations preferred. Physical Requirements Ability to move throughout classrooms and the school building for extended periods. Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, reach, and assist students during instructional and daily activities. Ability to lift or physically assist students when required by the assignment and with appropriate training. Ability to respond promptly to student safety, behavioral, mobility, or personal-care needs. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree, completion of college coursework, or paraprofessional certification preferred. Previous experience working with children, particularly students with disabilities, preferred. Experience in an elementary, middle-school, childcare, behavioral-support, or youth-service setting preferred. CPR, first aid, crisis-prevention, or de-escalation training preferred. Must meet all school, state, and federal employment requirements, including required background checks. Willingness to complete required special education, safety, behavior-management, and confidentiality training. How to Apply We are seeking a patient, dependable, and mission-driven professional who believes all students can achieve at high levels. The successful candidate will be committed to supporting students' academic growth, independence, inclusion, and social-emotional development while collaborating closely with teachers, families, and school leadership. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a résumé through Nimble.