Special Education Paraprofessional Jobs
Special Education Paraprofessional jobs are open across public K-12 schools, private special education centers, and early intervention programs, from entry-level classroom aide roles to senior paraprofessionals specializing in autism support, behavioral intervention, and life-skills instruction. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 23+ Special Education Paraprofessional jobs
Position Type:
Paraprofessionals/Special Education Paraprofessional
Date Posted:
6/1/2026
Location:
Lundahl Middle School
Date Available:
08/17/2026
Closing Date:
Until filled
Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 currently has an Special Education Paraprofessional - ASPIRE (IDEA) position available. This position provides instructional and other support services in various classroom settings to students under the supervision of a teacher or other professional staff member. This position will require the paraprofessional to support academic, behavioral, language and/or physical needs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Communicate with teachers, staff, support services and students
- Collaborate and foster teamwork
- Maintain anecdotal notes and data recording as needed
- Contribute strategies for developing acceptance of student(s) by school community; facilitate students' social interaction with teacher and peers
- Assist staff with other activities when available
- Assist/monitor student(s) to and from bus when needed
- Assist/monitor student(s) recess period – indoors and outdoors when needed
- Assist/monitor student(s) in lunchroom and hallways as appropriate
- Assist with feeding skills with appropriate supervision/training
- Assist/monitor student(s) with toileting and other physical needs - this includes providing physical assistance to a student during the act of toileting while in the toileting location (see toileting definition below)
- Assist with care, correct use and maintenance of adaptive equipment
- Assist student(s) during emergency situations, drills and field trips
- Exhibit knowledge of student's IEP goals, medical needs and any student limitations
- Assist student with instructional activities as outlined by staff; utilize strategies to modify materials as directed
- Implement behavioral intervention plan and procedures as needed
- Attend ongoing training as needed
- Maintain same level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as expected by staff
- Refer any questions or concerns from parents to appropriate staff members
- Assist student(s) to complete lesson activities, assignments and assessments
- Assist in implementation of test accommodations/modifications during test administration
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Valid ISBE Paraprofessional License or Short Term Approval
- Basic knowledge and willingness to learn appropriate use of technology
- Must have desire to work with students with special needs
- CPI Certification, if required
- Understand and follow oral and written instructions
- Maintain confidentiality of students and their records
- Understand basic elements of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Requires sitting, standing, lifting, bending, walking and running
- Demonstrate high level of flexibility, positive attitude, patience, sense of humor, perseverance, tenacity and concentration.
Definition of toileting: Due to a child's disability or medical condition, the para must provide physical assistance to a student during the act of toileting while in the toileting location. (examples: removing all undergarments, wiping, physically assisting onto and off the toilet area) Walking a child to the bathroom or providing supervision while in the bathroom which does not require physical contact would not be defined as toileting.
This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Position Type:
Paraprofessionals/Special Education Paraprofessional
Date Posted:
6/1/2026
Location:
Lundahl Middle School
Date Available:
08/17/2026
Closing Date:
Until filled
Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 currently has an Special Education Paraprofessional - ASPIRE (IDEA) position available. This position provides instructional and other support services in various classroom settings to students under the supervision of a teacher or other professional staff member. This position will require the paraprofessional to support academic, behavioral, language and/or physical needs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Communicate with teachers, staff, support services and students
- Collaborate and foster teamwork
- Maintain anecdotal notes and data recording as needed
- Contribute strategies for developing acceptance of student(s) by school community; facilitate students' social interaction with teacher and peers
- Assist staff with other activities when available
- Assist/monitor student(s) to and from bus when needed
- Assist/monitor student(s) recess period – indoors and outdoors when needed
- Assist/monitor student(s) in lunchroom and hallways as appropriate
- Assist with feeding skills with appropriate supervision/training
- Assist/monitor student(s) with toileting and other physical needs - this includes providing physical assistance to a student during the act of toileting while in the toileting location (see toileting definition below)
- Assist with care, correct use and maintenance of adaptive equipment
- Assist student(s) during emergency situations, drills and field trips
- Exhibit knowledge of student's IEP goals, medical needs and any student limitations
- Assist student with instructional activities as outlined by staff; utilize strategies to modify materials as directed
- Implement behavioral intervention plan and procedures as needed
- Attend ongoing training as needed
- Maintain same level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as expected by staff
- Refer any questions or concerns from parents to appropriate staff members
- Assist student(s) to complete lesson activities, assignments and assessments
- Assist in implementation of test accommodations/modifications during test administration
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Valid ISBE Paraprofessional License or Short Term Approval
- Basic knowledge and willingness to learn appropriate use of technology
- Must have desire to work with students with special needs
- CPI Certification, if required
- Understand and follow oral and written instructions
- Maintain confidentiality of students and their records
- Understand basic elements of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Requires sitting, standing, lifting, bending, walking and running
- Demonstrate high level of flexibility, positive attitude, patience, sense of humor, perseverance, tenacity and concentration.
Definition of toileting: Due to a child's disability or medical condition, the para must provide physical assistance to a student during the act of toileting while in the toileting location. (examples: removing all undergarments, wiping, physically assisting onto and off the toilet area) Walking a child to the bathroom or providing supervision while in the bathroom which does not require physical contact would not be defined as toileting.
This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
See All Special Education Paraprofessional Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any special education paraprofessional role that fits.
Find JobsSpecial Education Paraprofessional Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Crystal Lake Community Consolidated School District #476
- Denver Public Schools6
- Poudre School District4
- Clarke County School District2
- Special Education Services2
Top Industries Hiring
- Education18
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education paraprofessional jobs.
- High school diploma or equivalent with some college coursework preferred by most districts
- Experience supporting students with disabilities in a classroom or therapeutic setting
- Familiarity with Individualized Education Programs and special education compliance procedures
- Crisis prevention or de-escalation certification such as CPI or ProACT
- Ability to implement behavior intervention plans under the direction of a licensed educator
- Physical ability to assist with student mobility, transfers, and personal care routines
Tips for Your Special Education Paraprofessional Job Search
Tailor your resume to IEP language
Hiring managers in special education scan for familiarity with Individualized Education Programs. List specific IEP-related tasks you've supported, such as data collection, goal tracking, or progress note documentation, rather than describing your role in general classroom terms.
List certifications before experience
A paraprofessional certificate, CPR credential, or crisis intervention training like CPI catches a screener's eye fast. Place certifications near the top of your resume so they're visible before a hiring coordinator reads a single bullet point about your work history.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists special education paraprofessional openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match your disability specialty or grade-level preference and apply directly to each listing.
Filter openings by disability population served
Job postings often specify the student population: autism spectrum, emotional and behavioral disorders, multiple disabilities, or early childhood. Target listings that match your hands-on experience to avoid mismatches in the interview and to write stronger, more specific cover letters.
Prepare scenario answers for behavior situations
Interviewers almost always ask how you'd respond to a student escalating or refusing to transition between activities. Rehearse two or three specific examples from past placements that show your de-escalation approach, what strategy you used, and what the outcome was.
Follow up after a school district interview
District hiring timelines run longer than typical corporate processes because approvals often require school board action. Sending a brief thank-you email within 24 hours and a short follow-up after two weeks keeps you visible without overstepping the pace HR teams expect.
Special Education Paraprofessional Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most special education paraprofessionals?
The companies hiring the most special education paraprofessionals right now include Crystal Lake Community Consolidated School District #47, Denver Public Schools, and Poudre School District, with the largest share of openings in Colorado, Illinois, and Georgia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Public school districts and regional special education cooperatives consistently account for the majority of active postings nationwide.
How many special education paraprofessional jobs are remote?
About 0% of special education paraprofessional openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how hands-on the role is in most settings. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote hours are transition coaching, virtual tutoring for students with learning disabilities, and administrative IEP documentation support roles.
How do you become a special education paraprofessional?
Earn a high school diploma at minimum, as most public school districts also require some college credits or an associate degree. Complete a paraprofessional certification program if your state requires one, then gain direct experience through a student teaching placement, camp, or volunteer role with students who have disabilities. Apply to open positions at school districts or special education agencies and expect a background check before your start date.
Can you get hired as a special education paraprofessional with little or no experience?
Yes, many districts hire candidates with no formal classroom experience if they demonstrate hands-on exposure to people with disabilities through volunteer work, caregiving, or summer programs. Highlighting specific skills like patience during behavioral episodes, comfort with personal care routines, or experience with a family member who has a disability often carries real weight with hiring coordinators reviewing entry-level applications.
What does the special education paraprofessional interview process look like?
Most districts start with a short phone screen from HR, followed by an in-person or video interview with a special education coordinator or building principal. Expect behavioral scenario questions about managing student dysregulation, supporting a student who is non-verbal, or adapting an activity mid-lesson. Some districts also ask you to complete a brief written scenario or observe a classroom before a final offer is made.
Where can I find and apply to special education paraprofessional jobs?
You can find and apply to special education paraprofessional jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search by location, disability specialty, or grade level to narrow down roles that match your background, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All Special Education Paraprofessional Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any special education paraprofessional role that fits.
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