Paraprofessional

Location:

Excel Prep – Champaign, Illinois campus (on-site)
Type:
Full-time opportunities available
Compensation:
Competitive hourly wage commensurate with experience

Excel Prep is a mission-driven private program serving neurodiverse children through structured, research-based instruction. Our simple, unwavering mission is to prioritize the academic and social success of neurodiverse learners. We are a professional and agile organization delivering high-quality academic and therapeutic programming that supports meaningful learning outcomes.

We offer two distinct programs to meet diverse learner needs:

• PreK–8 Academic Program:
  Grounded in Direct Instruction and Precision Teaching. Instruction focuses on core academic skills—reading, writing, and mathematics—using explicit, systematic teaching methods that emphasize mastery, fluency, and generalization.

• Clinical ABA Program (Ages 3–13):
  Cognition-linguistically based ABA program emphasizing cognitive skills and social behavior learning within a structured instructional environment. Instruction is individualized, data-driven, and focused on building foundational skills that support learning, communication, and independence.

Across both programs, we center:

• Direct Instruction and instructional design

• Precision Teaching and data-based decision-making

• Instruction grounded in behavior science research

• Occupational Therapy as a prioritized therapy alongside ABA to support sensory-motor development

Role:
Paraprofessional

Reports to:

Program Lead / BCBA Supervisors / Lead Teachers

Purpose:

Provide classroom and therapy support under supervision, assist with data collection, materials preparation, and instruction delivery to help neurodiverse learners ages 3–13 achieve targeted academic and social outcomes.

• Support direct instruction and ABA-based activities under supervision.
• Assist with data collection on target skills and behaviors; maintain organized notes and progress records.
• Support structured instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, and functional skills.
• Assist with OT-informed strategies and sensory-motor activities as appropriate within scope and supervision.
• Help manage behavior support plans using positive, evidence-based approaches.
• Prepare instructional materials, organize supplies, and set up learning spaces for engaging sessions.
• Collaborate with BCBA, teachers, therapists, and families to ensure consistent programming.
• Support student independence and generalization of skills in varied settings.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and ongoing supervision.

• Required:
  • High school diploma or GED; college coursework in education, psychology, or related fields preferred.
  • Illinois paraprofessional credential/license (required for special education support roles).
  • Prior experience supporting neurodiverse learners is a plus.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
  • Patience, adaptability, and a child-centered approach.
  • Ability to pass background checks and TB screening.
• Preferred:
  • Experience with Direct Instruction, Precision Teaching, or ABA-inspired programs.
  • Familiarity with OT-informed strategies and integrated therapies.
  • Comfortable working with ages 3–13 in a structured instructional environment.

• On-site positions at Excel Prep’s Champaign, IL campus.
• Full-time availability.
• Typical school-day hours, with potential for after-school or therapy-block opportunities.

• Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
• Full comprehensive packet of medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Ongoing professional development, supervision, and access to resources aligned with Direct Instruction, Precision Teaching, and ABA.
• Supportive, mission-driven team culture focused on student outcomes.

Excel Prep is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.