1:1 Teaching Assistant

EASTERSEALS CENTRAL ILLINOIS•Germantown Hills, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The 1:1 Teaching Assistant supports a designated student with special needs throughout the school day, facilitating educational development and engagement in a structured therapeutic school environment. The role works alongside teachers, therapists, behavior support staff, administrators, and families to help the student access education, develop academic and functional skills, communicate, participate socially, navigate behavioral challenges, and build independence. The position includes providing individualized instruction and support, implementing student strategies, collecting and documenting data, and adjusting services in collaboration with the student support team. The assistant attends therapy sessions and helps carry out strategies throughout the student's day. The role also supports students' health, self-care, communication, and participation in classroom and daily activities. The position is full-time, 35 hours per week during regular school sessions and 32.5 hours per week during summer sessions. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; summer sessions run 7:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. for 20 days in June. The position is based at Easterseals Learning Academy in Germantown Hills, Illinois.

Requirements

Complete 60 semester hours of college credit from an accredited institution of higher education, or successfully complete the approved Illinois State Board of Education paraprofessional examination.
Hold Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification or be willing and able to successfully complete the required training.
Hold Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification or be willing and able to successfully complete the required training.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Demonstrate punctuality and reliability.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Collaborate as part of a team and adapt to change.
Take initiative and prioritize tasks independently.
Use office equipment and software and maintain records.
Organize and manage resources and files.
Exercise good judgment and interact with diverse groups.
Meet physical requirements, including frequent use of hands; regular standing, walking, sitting, and reaching; occasional lifting or carrying of up to 50 pounds; and physical restraint of students as necessary.
Have the ability to drive a personal vehicle to meetings and service sites.

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience in special education.

Responsibilities

Develop an understanding of each student's unique needs and become familiar with student records.
Complete required paperwork accurately and promptly, including attendance, schedules, requisitions, and other forms.
Assist the teacher with routine paperwork and preparation of classroom materials.
Establish priorities, meet deadlines, prepare for class, and adapt to reassignments as needed.
Conduct lessons or meetings with guidance and training from the teacher.
Support learning by answering questions, modeling skills, and participating in classroom discussions.
Provide re-teaching, guided practice, and assistance with assignments, tests, and tasks.
Address functional or academic needs through modified activities, accommodations, and adaptations.
Support students' health, self-care, and independence through modeling and prompting.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development and develop skills for engaging students in functional activities.
Implement formal and informal Functional Behavior Assessments with fidelity and collect and submit data regularly.
Adjust student services based on data and guidance from the student support team.
Collaborate with the classroom teacher, administration, and support specialists to formulate a daily schedule that supports student engagement.
Attend related-service therapy sessions and implement strategies throughout the student's day.
Develop proficiency in students' functional communication and ensure communication readiness and use throughout the day.
Document student activity and performance for various purposes.
Act as a mandated reporter to ensure student safety.
Supervise students during lunch, bathroom breaks, and transitions outside the classroom.
Perform other assigned duties.

Benefits

Generous paid time off
Sick and personal time
10 paid holidays
Additional paid time off hours for volunteering
Time off in addition to Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Easter/Spring Break, and Summer Break
Group health insurance
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
Long-term disability, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage
Employer-paid and employee-paid life insurance options
401(k) with employer match
Professional development and CEU allowance
Eligibility for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program