Special Education Teaching Assistant; Self-Contained

Special Education Teaching Assistant (Self-Contained) – Job .
Full-time position (35 hours per week).

Start date:

August 2026. Multiple locations (no travel). Position available:
August 2026. Posted: 6/4/2026.

Assist students with activities to maximize participation in learning and achievement of IEP objectives. Perform duties with assigned individuals or groups of students to ensure learning and behavioral objectives are achieved.

• Implement instructional plans as determined by licensed teachers and therapists.
• Apply lesson modifications and adjust them as needed to ensure learning objectives are met. Prompt, cue, and redirect students to stay on task.
• Administer curriculum‑based tests and quizzes.
• Ensure students record assignments, have correct materials, and complete assignments appropriate for their needs.
• Take notes of curriculum presented during class as appropriate.
• Provide physical care as needed: diapering, toileting, feeding, reinforcing adaptive PE/motor activities under teacher or therapist direction, and assisting with hygiene and independent living skills.
• Observe, document, and reinforce appropriate student behaviors; communicate activity updates to teacher and facilitators.
• Participate in weekly team meetings to review student progress, plan upcoming lessons, and attend trainings.
• Assist with non‑instructional activities.
• Assist in maintaining safety, behavior, decorum, and order in common areas and during field trips.
• Retrieve and escort students to and from buses or cars when required.
• Record and update student progress toward achievement of the Individual Education Plan.

• Read, write, and speak English to communicate with students and staff.
• Perform basic arithmetic operations to assist students.
• Use personal computers and software applications such as Word and Excel; demonstrate proficiency with district‑provided technology and computer‑based programs.
• Work with a diverse group of individuals and be sensitive to individual differences.
• Maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, and others.
• Establish supportive and compassionate relationships with students with special needs.
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others in the course of work.
• Remain composed in stressful situations and adapt to changing conditions.
• Report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Work independently, stay on task, multi‑task, and complete assigned projects timely and efficiently.

• Lift students and assist with daily living skills such as diapering, toileting, feeding, dressing, and other manipulations.
• See, speak, and hear regularly; sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers, reach, climb stairs, balance, bend, twist, kneel, crouch, or crawl as required.
• Push, pull, lift, or carry up to 50 lb.

• Valid educator license with stipulations (PARA), substitute license, or professional educator license.
• Experience with special education students preferred.
• Applicants must meet one of the following criteria and submit documentation to the DuPage Regional Office of
  
  Education:
  • At least 19 years of age.
  • Associate’s degree or higher, or 60 semester hours of coursework.
  • High school diploma or GED and a score of 460 or higher on the ETS Parapro.
  • High school diploma or GED and the following scores on the ACT Work Keys:
    • Applied Mathematics/Applied Math (score ≥
      4).
    • Reading for Information/Workplace Documents (score ≥
      4).

• General office equipment.
• Personal computers.
• Potential use of adaptive equipment.

Standard school building environment and outdoor student activities.

Travel between schools may be required.

Building principal and/or designee.

5200.

Non‑Exempt.

Classified.

$20.25–$21.95 per hour.

Benefits as described in the IPCA contract 2026‑30.

Qualified candidates will be contacted by the building administrator.