Special Education Program Assistant

Wallace Academy is seeking applicants to apply for open Program Assistant positions, with a start date in August 2025. Wallace Academy is located in Hoffman Estates (Cook County) Illinois. It is a private therapeutic day school providing support to middle school and high school students in special education demonstrating school refusal behavior and chronic absenteeism.

Mission:

Wallace Academy believes in creating a safe and nurturing environment that redefines education, instills hope in families, and unconditionally supports every student. Wallace Academy unites school, family and the community to provide holistic, individualized, high quality academic and therapeutic support.

Description:

Academic instruction and therapeutic support are delivered through a blended model of remote learning, through home and community-based visits, and in the school building. Program Assistants are expected to manage their own schedules (see sample schedule below). The Program Assistants supports students demonstrating school refusal behavior due to a variety of factors (including but not limited to: school anxiety, medical fragility, and social emotional challenges that impact their ability to function in a public education setting). Wallace Academy values a high level of collaboration with district partners, parents, and students' IEP teams. Additionally, Wallace Academy is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work culture. Administration encourages Program Assistants to find creative ways to connect with students, many of which have not attended school regularly for an extended period of time.

Sample Program Assistant schedule:

7:30-8:00 - Program Assistant Meeting

8:00-8:30 - Collaborate with Teacher

8:30-10:30 - Support on home visit

10:30-11:15 - Support in English live lesson

11:15-12:00 - Lunch

12:00-1:00 - Provide 1 on 1 academic support

1:00-1:30 - Support in Group Therapy

1:30-2:30 - Supervise classroom

2:30-3:30 - File paperwork for teacher

Qualifications:

• Associates degree with Paraprofessional License, Bachelor’s Degree, or Substitute Teaching License
• Must be 19 or older
• Experience with students preferred
• Ability to travel/drive

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• To collaborate with members of the student’s Wallace Academy team regarding students
• To support in the progress toward post-secondary outcomes and IEP goals
• To self-manage a schedule that changes daily
• To support the teachers and therapists in interventions

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $30.66 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

• Private school
• School
• Special education school

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Commute:

• Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Hoffman Estates, IL 60169: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $31