Special Education Aide

Framingham Public Schools • Framingham, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Aide assists students with disabilities under the direction of a certified teacher, generally in an inclusionary setting. The aide supports daily classroom activities and students’ academic, social, behavioral, and personal-care needs while protecting their physical and emotional health and safety. The role affirms students’ abilities and promotes dignity, independence, equal access to instruction, academic proficiency, and the district’s goal of closing opportunity gaps.

The aide may support students in inclusion, small-group, individual, or sub-separate settings and follows each student’s Individual Education Program (IEP). The position may involve assisting with assessments, collecting and reporting student data, escorting students, personal care, and trained de-escalation or physical-management procedures. The position is covered by the Framingham Teachers Association (Unit T) Contract and is classified as non-exempt hourly.

Requirements

• An associate degree or higher, or at least two years of post-secondary education equivalent to at least 48 credit hours from an accredited higher-education institution; otherwise, must pass the Parapro Test.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly with students, staff, families, and community members.
• Ability to read and interpret professional literature, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Sound reasoning, problem-solving, data collection, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and ongoing professional learning to inform practice.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the community.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Commitment to complying with district requirements, applicable laws, and school policies.
• Cultural proficiency and competence working with students and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and student records.
• Professionalism and composure in unpredictable or challenging situations.
• Technology proficiency and willingness to learn new tools; ability to use a computer and software, including Google Workspace for Education.
• Willingness to participate in professional learning, coaching, and staff development.
• Ability to evaluate student skills, interpret assessment data, and write clear reports.
• Collaborative, instructional, coaching, and leadership skills to support student programming.
• Ability to use data to inform instruction and improve student outcomes.
• Knowledge of specialized content areas, relevant laws, and educational procedures.
• Ability to plan and implement lessons aligned with district and school goals.
• Ability to integrate instructional technology and take a proactive, reflective, solution-focused approach to supporting student growth.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including moving around the school, lifting at least 20 pounds, assisting students with physical difficulties, and providing personal care as needed.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office productivity equipment and communicate effectively in person, by email, and by telephone.

Nice To Haves

• Some experience working with children, especially students with Autism, Developmental Delays, Multiple Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, or Emotional Disabilities.
• Additional specialized training in child development, education, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Assist with instruction and supervision of students in inclusion, small-group, individual, or sub-separate settings under the direction of teachers, service providers, or administrators.
• Support students with special needs by following provisions in their Individual Education Programs (IEPs).
• Assist with standardized and non-standardized tests, curriculum-based measures, and other assessments.
• Follow approved restraint procedures when assisting with crisis situations involving risk of harm to students or others.
• Attend training and maintain certification in de-escalation and physical-management techniques.
• Collect student data and report concerns and progress.
• Escort and supervise students to and from school facilities and other areas.
• Collaborate with special education and general education teachers and related-service staff.
• Help establish a positive learning environment and respond to individual student needs.
• Assist students with eating, mobility, communication, dressing, toileting, and diapering as needed.
• Promote independence for students with disabilities.
• Protect confidential information in compliance with FERPA and HIPAA.
• Perform other duties as directed by teachers, administrators, supervisors, the Superintendent or designee, and school district policies.

Benefits

• A $1,500 stipend is available to paraprofessionals working in an Autism classroom, a multi-disabilities classroom, or on a changing team for a student with toileting needs.
• The job posting refers applicants to information about the district’s benefits but does not list specific benefits.

What This Job Offers

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