Special Education Paraprofessional

Description

The Special Education Paraprofessional works under the supervision of a certified special education teacher and school administrator to provide instructional, behavioral, social-emotional, and personal support to students with disabilities. The paraprofessional assists in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), supporting inclusive classroom instruction, facilitating hands-on STEMM and healthcare learning experiences, and promoting student independence.

This position is ideal for compassionate, patient, flexible individuals who enjoy working directly with students and believe every child can learn, grow, and contribute to their community.

At AIM, paraprofessionals are educators, mentors, and advocates. They foster confidence, independence, resilience, and belonging while maintaining high expectations for every student.

The ideal candidate:

• Believes every student deserves access to rigorous instruction and meaningful inclusion.
• Builds positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Demonstrates patience, empathy, professionalism, and flexibility.
• Enjoys working collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary educational team.
• Embraces innovative instructional practices and continuous learning.
• Supports AIM's CARE Expectations:
  • Come Prepared
  • Act Responsibly
  • Respect Others
  • Engage in Learning

• Provide instructional support to students individually and in small groups under the direction of a certified teacher.
• Assist students in accessing grade-level curriculum aligned to Georgia Standards of Excellence.
• Implement teacher-developed lesson plans, accommodations, and modifications.
• Support students during classroom instruction, laboratories, simulations, field experiences, and community-based learning.
• Reinforce academic concepts using evidence-based instructional strategies.
• Promote student independence rather than dependence.
• Assist with organization, study skills, executive functioning, and self-advocacy.

• Assist in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Collect and document student progress toward IEP goals.
• Support behavior intervention plans and individualized accommodations.
• Assist with communication supports, adaptive equipment, and assistive technology.
• Participate in IEP meetings and team meetings as requested.
• Maintain accurate documentation while protecting student confidentiality.

When required by student needs:

• Assist students with feeding, toileting, grooming, dressing, and personal hygiene.
• Provide mobility assistance using adaptive equipment.
• Support students with medical protocols as trained.
• Respond appropriately during emergencies.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming learning environment.

• Build positive, trusting relationships with students.
• Implement proactive classroom management strategies.
• Utilize restorative practices and PBIS strategies.
• Support students in developing emotional regulation, communication, and social skills.
• Redirect behavior respectfully while preserving student dignity.
• Assist students in developing independence and self-management skills.

• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, administrators, and families.
• Participate in professional learning and instructional planning.
• Model professionalism and AIM's CARE Expectations.
• Support school-wide events, field experiences, and healthcare partnership activities.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, mission-driven school culture.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the CEO, Assistant Principal, or Special Education Coordinator.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Associate degree, completion of 48 semester hours of college coursework, or successful completion of an approved Georgia Paraprofessional Assessment.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification or ability to obtain within three months of employment.
• Ability to obtain Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) or approved de-escalation training within six months.
• Successful criminal background check and…