KEYS Academy Paraprofessional

Health Connect America•Verona, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

KEYS Academy is a network of private special education day schools serving students in grades K–12 across Virginia. Supported by Health Connect America, the schools combine a close-knit school community with the resources and professional support of a multi-state organization. Guided by safety, dignity, opportunity, and trauma-informed care, KEYS Academy provides structured, supportive learning environments where students develop academic skills, social-emotional development, self-regulation, and confidence. The Paraprofessional works alongside teachers and support staff in a structured classroom, providing academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to students with varied needs. Under the guidance of the School Director and classroom teacher, the role helps create a safe, dignified, and engaging learning environment, maximize instructional time, and support student well-being and success. Full-time employees receive paid time off, paid holidays, and a comprehensive benefits package. Employment is contingent on meeting comprehensive background investigation requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to build positive relationships with students and staff.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to maintain patience, consistency, confidentiality, and professionalism in a structured classroom and school environment.
Ability to follow direction and work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to meet state and federal background check and clearance requirements.
Ability to perform duties in a school environment, including being physically able to complete training in behavior regulation and support programs and move throughout the classroom and campus as needed.
Ability to complete required training and certifications within established timelines following hire.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree, paraprofessional certification, or coursework in education, psychology, human services, or a related field.
Experience working with children or adolescents in an educational, childcare, or youth-serving environment.

Responsibilities

Support a structured and culturally responsive classroom environment that promotes safety, dignity, and readiness for learning.
Help students understand classroom routines, expectations for individual and group interactions, and behavioral boundaries while reinforcing positive engagement.
Provide individualized and small-group support to reinforce academic skills and teacher-directed learning activities.
Assist with lesson activities, accommodations, and supports aligned with student IEP goals.
Help students use instructional tools and online learning platforms, including Courseware, Exact Path, Wilson Reading Systems, Reflex Math, and LEXIA.
Help students understand and apply social-emotional and communication strategies in the KEYS for a Big Life and Social Thinking curricula.
Provide encouragement and feedback supporting academic participation, social-emotional development, and behavior regulation.
Collaborate with teachers and school staff to support student success and consistent classroom practices.
Assist with supervision during classroom transitions, lunch, recreation, school activities, and assigned community-based experiences.
Support classroom preparation, organization of materials, and daily operational needs.
Assist with documentation, data collection, and communication about student progress as directed by the classroom teacher.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support student success and school operations.