Special Education Paraprofessional

Company Overview
La Academia Charter School is dedicated to fostering a vibrant learning community that emphasizes innovative instruction, comprehensive scholar supports, cultural competency, and work-based learning. Our mission is to transform learners into tomorrow’s leaders, preparing them to be critical thinkers and global citizens committed to lifelong learning and meaningful contributions.

Job Summary

La Academia Partnership Charter School is seeking a caring, dependable, and student-centered Special Education Paraprofessional to join our Student Services team.

The Special Education Paraprofessional works collaboratively with special education teachers, general education teachers, related service providers, and school administrators to support students with disabilities in accessing instruction and successfully participating in the school environment.

The ideal candidate is patient, flexible, compassionate, and committed to building positive relationships with students. This position requires an individual who understands that every student has unique strengths and needs and who is willing to provide academic, behavioral, social, and functional support while encouraging student independence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Special Education Paraprofessional will:

• Provide individual and small-group academic support to students with disabilities under the direction of a special education or general education teacher.
• Support the implementation of students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including accommodations, modifications, behavioral supports, and specially designed instruction as directed by the special education teacher.
• Assist students in accessing and participating in the general education curriculum.
• Reinforce instructional concepts and skills taught by classroom and special education teachers.
• Provide one-to-one or small-group assistance when assigned based on student needs.
• Support students with organization, task completion, transitions, classroom routines, and executive functioning skills.
• Assist students with developing appropriate social, communication, behavioral, and self-regulation skills.
• Implement behavior intervention plans and positive behavior supports as directed by the student's educational team.
• Utilize de-escalation, redirection, and other approved positive behavioral strategies when students experience difficulty regulating their behavior.
• Collect and document student data as directed by special education teachers for IEP goals, behavioral plans, progress monitoring, and other educational programming.
• Communicate relevant observations regarding student progress, behavior, and needs to the supervising teacher.
• Assist students during transitions between classrooms and other areas of the school when necessary.
• Support students during arrival, dismissal, lunch, hallway transitions, and other school activities as assigned.
• Assist with personal care, mobility, or functional needs when required by a student's educational program and within the employee's training.
• Encourage students to develop independence rather than completing tasks for them.
• Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA, school policies, and applicable special education requirements.
• Maintain professional and respectful relationships with students, families, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel.
• Participate in required professional development, training, and staff meetings.
• Follow all school safety procedures, behavioral expectations, and administrative directives.
• Perform additional student-support duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services or school administration.

Qualifications

Candidates should possess:

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional education or training in education, special education, child development, behavioral health, or a related field is preferred.
• Ability to meet applicable Pennsylvania requirements for paraprofessional employment.
• Experience working with children or adolescents preferred.
• Previous experience supporting students with disabilities is strongly preferred.
• Ability to follow teacher-directed instructional plans, IEP accommodations, behavioral plans, and school procedures.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and professional when responding to challenging student behaviors.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding student and family information.
• Willingness to participate in school-provided training and professional development.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary Student Services team.

Preferred Experience

Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Positive behavior interventions and supports
• De-escalation and crisis-prevention strategies
• Progress monitoring and student data collection
• English Learner or multilingual student support
• Middle or high school educational settings

Professional Expectations

At La Academia Partnership Charter School, paraprofessionals are important members of the educational team. Successful candidates will demonstrate reliability, professionalism, flexibility, compassion, and a commitment to helping students grow academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.

Our approach to student services is grounded in the belief that strong relationships are essential to student success. Staff members are expected to maintain high expectations for students while providing the individualized support necessary for students to access their education and become increasingly independent.

Physical and Workplace Requirements

The position may require the ability to stand and walk for extended periods, move throughout the school building, assist students during transitions, and respond appropriately to student behavioral or safety needs. Specific responsibilities will depend upon student assignments and individual student needs.

Equal Opportunity Employment

La Academia Partnership Charter School is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining an inclusive educational and workplace environment. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and school policies.

Join Our Team

If you are passionate about supporting students, building positive relationships, and helping students with disabilities reach their academic and personal goals, we encourage you to apply for the Special Education Paraprofessional position at La Academia Partnership Charter School.

Pay: From $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $42,000