KEYS Academy Paraprofessional

Health Connect America•Ruther Glen, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

KEYS Academy is a network of private special education day schools serving students in grades K–12 across Virginia. Guided by safety, dignity, and opportunity and rooted in trauma-informed care, the schools provide structured, supportive learning environments that help students develop academic skills, social-emotional development, self-regulation, and confidence. Supported by Health Connect America, KEYS Academy combines a close-knit school community with the resources and professional support of a multi-state organization. The schools are licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and accredited through the Virginia Association of Independent Special Education Facilities (VAISEF). The Paraprofessional works alongside teachers and support staff in a structured classroom, supporting students with varied academic and social-emotional needs. Under the guidance of the School Director and classroom teacher, the role provides academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to maximize instructional time and promote student well-being and success. The position contributes to a safe, dignified, engaging learning environment through positive relationships, individualized support, consistent classroom practices, and collaboration with the school team.

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 setting.
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 physical ability to be trained in behavior regulation and support programs and to move throughout the classroom and campus as needed.
Ability to complete required training and certifications within established timelines after 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 for 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 from the KEYS for a Big Life and Social Thinking curricula.
Provide encouragement and feedback to support 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, materials organization, 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.