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Instructional Assistant

Placement: Facility School, grades K-8th

Location: Lakewood, CO

Job Type: Full-time; Monday-Friday 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Salary Range: $22 - $26.00

Certification Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent (required)

Why You’ll Love Working at Handprints Academy

• School-based schedule: No evenings or weekends, and 5+ weeks of vacation time.
• Supportive, collaborative team: Work alongside special education teachers, BCBAs, speech therapists, OTs, and PTs.
• Meaningful impact: Support students with Autism and developmental disabilities through trauma-assumed, relationship-centered practices.
• Hands-on role: Be an essential part of students’ daily learning, growth, and independence.

About Handprints Academy Facility School

Handprints Academy is a CDE-authorized facility school designed for students with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities who have significant behavioral, developmental, and communication needs. We offer a highly individualized, interdisciplinary program that integrates special education, applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

Our classrooms are intentionally small, with low student-to-staff ratios, and follow trauma-assumed, relationship-centered practices to support emotional regulation, communication, and academic learning.

This is not your typical school district setting - we prioritize flexibility, creativity, and intensive support to help students thrive in a way that honors who they are!

JOB SUMMARY: The Instructional Assistant provides direct, hands-on support to students across academic, behavioral, and daily living domains. Under the supervision of the Special Education Teacher and BCBA, the Instructional Assistant implements IEP and behavior support plans, supports instruction and transitions, collects data, and helps maintain a safe, regulated, and engaging learning environment.

This role is a great fit for someone who is compassionate, proactive, and excited to work closely with students who need individualized support.

What to Expect Day-to-Day

• Active role: standing, moving, and engaging with students throughout the day
• Supporting students with high behavioral and/or communication needs
• Assisting with toileting, feeding, and personal care when needed
• Managing transitions and supporting regulation during challenging moments

Responsibilities

Student Support & Instruction

• Support students during academic instruction, group activities, therapy sessions, and inclusive opportunities.
• Implement IEP goals and behavior support plans with fidelity.
• Assist students with toileting, hygiene, feeding, and daily living skills as needed.
• Support arrival, dismissal, and transition routines throughout the school day.

Behavior & Safety Support

• Use proactive, trauma-assumed, and relationship-centered behavior strategies.
• Assist with de-escalation and crisis prevention while prioritizing student dignity and safety.
• Complete behavior and incident reports accurately and promptly when required.

Data Collection & Communication

• Collect daily data on student performance and behaviors as directed by the instructional team.
• Maintain consistent communication through back-and-forth logs and documentation systems.

Classroom & Team Collaboration

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
• Support students during community outings, vocational tasks, or volunteer activities when applicable.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and required professional development sessions.
• Complete additional duties as assigned to support the school and students.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Experience working with children with Autism or special needs, preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to remain calm and regulated during challenging situations.
• CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Must pass required background checks and fingerprinting.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements outlined below are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential duties of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with disabilities.

This is an active, hands-on position. Team members should be comfortable engaging in a range of physical activities throughout the day, including standing, walking, running, bending, kneeling, crouching, and sitting on the floor or in child-sized seating.

The role may involve supporting students during moments of dysregulation, which can include safely assisting with movement, blocking, or as a last resort, physical restraint. Staff should be able to lift or assist in lifting up to 150 pounds with support from other team members when needed.

Successfully completing required training in verbal and physical safety interventions (i.e., Safety Care) is required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person