ABA Paraeducator - Pre-K

ABA Para educator

The ABA Para educator provides behavioral and instructional support to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related developmental disabilities. This role operates across a continuum of specialized care, supporting early intervention at the pre-K level, foundational academic and behavioral development at the elementary level, and high-level specialized programming at the intermediate and secondary levels. Under the supervision of a BCBA and Lead Special Education Teacher, the ABA Para educator implements individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), facilitates skill acquisition, and ensures a safe, structured learning environment tailored to the unique developmental, age-appropriate, and program-specific needs of the students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program-Specific Support and Instruction
• Early childhood:
  Facilitate early intensive behavioral intervention, focusing on foundational school-readiness skills, play-based learning, toilet training, and early functional communication (e.g., PECS, AAC devices).
• Elementary:
  Support students with academic modifications, communication development, behavioral regulation, socialization, and integration into the school community.
• Intermediate:
  Assist students by focusing on emotional regulation, peer interaction, and independent executive functioning.
• High school:
  Support adolescents and young adults, focusing on self-advocacy, functional life skills, vocational readiness, community-based instruction, and post-secondary transition goals.
• Universal ABA practices:
  Provide 1:1 and small-group instruction using Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), such as Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Teaching (NET).
• Data Collection and Implementation
• Classroom and Program Support
• Collaboration and Communication
• Safety and Compliance

Education & Experience:

Associate degree, OR at least 60 college credits, OR High school diploma with successful completion of the Parapathways (formerly Para Pro) Assessment required. Minimum of 1 year of experience working with individuals with autism or developmental disabilities, preferably in an ABA or specialized school setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Foundational understanding of ABA principles (reinforcement schedules, prompting hierarchies, functions of behavior). Ability to pivot seamlessly between early childhood needs, elementary academic/social benchmarks, and the functional or vocational profiles of older students. Proven ability to remain calm, objective, and supportive during high-stress, crisis, or physically demanding behavioral episodes. Physical capacity to frequently run, bend, kneel, sit on the floor, and lift/move students or equipment according to safety protocols.

Proficiency with Google Suite and a proven ability to learn specialized digital data-tracking applications.

Physical and Cognitive Demands:
Work in this classification requires frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and sitting for extended periods. The employee must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with student movement using appropriate equipment. The position may require implementing physical interventions, including restraining or transporting students, in accordance with established behavior plans. The role requires manual dexterity for data collection and use of technology, as well as the ability to receive and process detailed verbal and written information.

Vision must be sufficient to read and interpret written and digital materials.