Elementary School Paraprofessional (SY 26-27)

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School • Newark, NJ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School (GOLCS) is seeking a dynamic, mission-aligned Paraprofessional to support students with disabilities in accessing rigorous, inclusive instruction and making academic, behavioral, and social-emotional progress. Paraprofessionals are members of the instructional and student support team who reinforce instruction, provide behavioral and ABA-aligned support, and monitor progress through push-in, small-group, and individualized assistance aligned with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and behavior plans. The position supports students with exceptional needs in receiving consistent, structured support in the least restrictive environment.

Paraprofessionals report to the Associate Director of Student Support Services, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, or School Social Worker. They work under the direct supervision of certified teachers and licensed professionals, collaborate with special educators and support staff, and participate in observation, feedback, coaching, and professional development.

Requirements

• At least 48 college credits, an Associate’s Degree, or higher from an accredited institution.
• Passing score on the Paraprofessional (ParaPro) Exam or an equivalent state-approved assessment.
• Demonstrated belief that all students can achieve at high levels.
• Strong reliability, organization, and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to student success, equity, and inclusion.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework or training in education, psychology, behavior analysis, or a related field.
• Training or coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential.
• Experience working with students with disabilities or behavioral needs, including Emotional Regulation Impairments.
• Experience with academic or behavioral data tracking.
• Prior experience in an urban school or charter school setting.
• Progress toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, as a BCBA, or in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide push-in, small-group, and individualized support to reinforce previously taught academic content.
• Assist with preteaching and reteaching foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and other content areas as directed by certified staff.
• Support implementation of IEP accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies.
• Reinforce learning through guided practice, review activities, and structured tutoring designed by the teacher.
• Promote student independence, organization, and engagement in classroom learning.
• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and classroom behavior systems with fidelity.
• Provide positive reinforcement, redirection, prompting, and de-escalation support.
• Support ABA programming as trained and directed by the BCBA, including behavior protocols, reinforcement systems, and skill-building strategies.
• Collect data for ABA targets, replacement behaviors, and behavioral goals.
• Support students with Emotional Regulation Impairments, autism, and other behavioral needs in maintaining safe, productive participation.
• Facilitate appropriate peer interactions and social-skills development across settings.
• Collect and record academic, behavioral, and ABA-related data aligned to IEP goals, BIPs, and intervention plans.
• Maintain daily tracking sheets, logs, and required progress-monitoring documentation.
• Share data with teachers, BCBAs, and support staff to inform instructional and behavioral decision-making.
• Assist with preparing materials and documentation for IEP meetings and reporting as requested.
• Assist with classroom routines, transitions, and management to maximize instructional time.
• Provide one-to-one or shared paraprofessional support as outlined in student IEPs.
• Support supervision in hallways, lunch, recess, specials, and other school settings when assigned.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students.
• Provide assistance with personal care or health-related needs when required and appropriately supervised.
• Collaborate with teachers, CST members, BCBAs, and related service providers to support student success.
• Participate in professional development, team meetings, and coaching cycles.
• Implement feedback from teachers, ADSS leaders, and specialists.
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct in student interactions and records.
• Demonstrate commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with comprehensive network coverage.
• Up to $3,000 per year in tax-exempt student loan and tuition reimbursement.
• Reimbursements for external professional development aligned to the role.
• Wellness reimbursements, including gym memberships and spa services.
• Online counseling services for staff and their dependents through a therapy app.
• Pre-tax state pension plan benefit, with additional options through voluntary retirement plans.
• Pre-tax dependent care, health, and transit flexible spending plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree