Special Education Instructional Assistant

Special Education Instructional Assistant

Dream Life Skills Program — Grades K–8

Matchbook Learning, Wendell Phillips School 63 | Indianapolis, Indiana

1 Position Available | Starting Pay: $25.00 / Hour | Full-Time | Hourly, Non-Exempt

At Matchbook Learning, our vision is simple: every child is known, loved, and flourishing. We are a tuition-free public charter school proudly rooted in the Haughville neighborhood of Indianapolis, serving K–8 students at Wendell Phillips School 63. Our students come with high needs and extraordinary potential — and our staff shows up every day to meet both.

Half of our student population are Multilingual Learners. We serve students with a wide range of learning needs and we are proud to be in this community. You will be surrounded by a visible, supportive administration, a strong instructional coaching team, a dedicated MLL director, a large restorative team, and colleagues who put kids first.

We are looking for a compassionate, patient, and engaging Instructional Assistant to support students in our DREAM Life Skills Program. This role is centered on helping students build the academic, social, communication, and daily living skills that foster greater independence and confidence both in school and beyond.

Our DREAM Life Skills Program serves students in grades K–8 with diverse learning needs. Working under the guidance of the DREAM classroom teacher, the Instructional Assistant provides individualized and small-group support while helping create a structured, safe, and engaging learning environment where every student is encouraged to grow at their own pace.

The Instructional Assistant will work closely with the DREAM teacher and collaborate with school staff and families to support each student's individualized goals. If you are patient, flexible, relationship-driven, and believe every child deserves meaningful opportunities to learn and succeed, we would love to have you join our team.

• Build positive, trusting relationships with students by providing consistent encouragement, guidance, and individualized support throughout the school day
• Support students in developing academic, communication, social, self-regulation, and daily living skills through one-on-one and small-group instruction
• Assist the DREAM classroom teacher in implementing lessons, accommodations, and instructional activities aligned with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Foster a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment by reinforcing classroom routines, promoting student independence, and using positive behavior support strategies
• Assist students with personal care, daily living tasks, classroom transitions, and community-based learning experiences, as needed
• Prepare instructional materials, collect student data, and maintain an organized classroom environment to support effective instruction
• Collaborate with the DREAM classroom teacher and school staff to support each student's individualized goals and contribute to a positive, inclusive school culture
• Model patience, flexibility, professionalism, and a student-centered approach in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate's degree or 30+ college credits a plus for Title I paraprofessional requirements)
• Experience or genuine interest in working with students with disabilities and diverse learning needs
• Patient, nurturing, and relationship-driven approach with students
• Willingness to obtain CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) or equivalent de-escalation certification
• Commitment to equity, high expectations, and serving students with high needs

Preferred:

• Prior experience as a paraprofessional, instructional assistant, or in a special education setting
• Experience supporting students with IEPs, behavior plans, or daily living/self-care needs
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Matchbook Learning invests deeply in its staff. You will receive:

• Ongoing coaching and modeling from the DREAM classroom teacher and Special Education Coordinator
• CPI / crisis prevention and de-escalation…