Instructional Aide

Atlantis Academy•Harvard, IL

3d•$20 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is seeking an Instructional Aide to join their award-winning Special Education team for the 2026-2027 School Year. This role involves providing personalized support, supervision, and guidance to students in the classroom and community, collaborating with educators to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and tailoring instruction to unique learning needs. The position is in a Special Education Program for Grades 6-12 and offers a supportive, student-centered, and outcome-driven environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent w/ passage of basic skills test.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
Prior experience providing instruction, guidance and/or support to children; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
Highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
Solid motivational skills and willingness to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities and new initiatives.
Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study preferred.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a paraprofessional, paraeducator, education assistant or similar credential preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborating closely with classroom teachers to cultivate a supportive, welcoming, and high-achieving learning environment where all students feel safe and valued.
Implementing engaging, individualized instruction and behavioral interventions both on-site and in community settings, aligned with each student's unique goals and objectives.
Instructing and closely monitoring students during classroom lessons, ensuring instructional fidelity, and applying targeted strategies to enhance student comprehension and successful course completion.
Encouraging individual student growth by consistently tracking progress against established timelines and proactively communicating with classroom teachers regarding students' successes and areas needing additional intervention.
Managing student behavior effectively, reinforcing our school's philosophy and policies, and applying consistent disciplinary measures in collaboration with classroom teachers.
Supporting and mentoring students facing academic challenges, encouraging personal growth, and assisting them in developing essential community, vocational, leisure, domestic, academic, and social skills.
Completing clear, accurate, and timely documentation of student behaviors and performance, reporting meaningful observations, and offering actionable recommendations to relevant staff.
Assisting with the preparation of detailed behavioral reports, daily activity logs, and other necessary documentation.
Communicating proactively and clearly with students, colleagues, supervisors, and families regarding student needs, achievements, and areas of concern, working in close partnership with teachers and administration.
Maintaining strict confidentiality of all student records and information at all times.
Participating actively in assurance and accreditation activities, contributing to achieving site performance standards and accreditation requirements.
Participating in school-wide, student-parent, and advisory meetings to foster collaborative support networks and positive educational outcomes.
Responding positively and constructively to formal and informal feedback, demonstrating continuous professional growth.
Performing additional responsibilities as needed to support student success and contribute to the overall effectiveness of our educational community.