Special Education Aide

Framingham Public Schools • Framingham, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Framingham Public Schools is hiring a Special Education Aide for the Autism Program at Walsh Middle School for the 2026–2027 school year. Under the direction of a certified teacher, the aide supports students with disabilities in a substantially separate autism program. The program serves students who need intensive social-pragmatic, academic, and behavioral support and uses approaches including ABA, discrete trial training, task analysis, floor time, and total communication to develop social skills and academic readiness. It combines social-developmental and behavioral approaches to address students’ educational needs.

The aide assists with instruction, supervision, assessment, data collection, and students’ academic, social, behavioral, and daily-living needs. The role may involve personal care, including toileting and diapering, and approved crisis-management and physical-management procedures. The position is hourly and non-exempt, and is covered by the Framingham Teachers Association (Unit T) Contract. 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.

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.
• Ability to read and interpret professional literature, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Sound reasoning, problem-solving, data-gathering, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and ongoing learning to inform instructional decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive 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 compliance with district requirements, applicable laws, and school policies.
• Cultural proficiency and competence in 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, including use of a computer and Google Workspace for Education.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional learning, coaching, and staff development.
• Ability to evaluate student skills, interpret assessment data, and write clear, concise 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 into teaching and learning.
• A proactive, reflective, and solution-focused approach to supporting student growth.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including assisting students with physical difficulties, operating a computer, communicating effectively, and providing student supervision and care.

Nice To Haves

• Some experience working with children, especially students with autism, developmental delays, multiple disabilities, learning disabilities, or emotional disabilities.
• Specialized training in child development, education, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Assist with instruction and supervision of students in inclusion, small-group, individual, or separate settings under the direction of teachers, service providers, or administrators.
• Support students according to the provisions of their Individual Education Programs (IEPs).
• Assist students with standardized and non-standardized tests, curriculum-based measures, and other assessments.
• Follow approved restraint procedures when assisting with crisis management to protect students and others, and maintain certification in de-escalation and physical-management techniques.
• Collect individual student data and report concerns and progress.
• Escort and supervise students around school facilities and 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 everyday tasks, including eating, mobility, communication, dressing, and toileting, including diapering, while promoting independence.
• Safeguard confidential information and student records in compliance with FERPA and HIPAA.
• Perform other duties as directed by teachers, administrators, supervisors, the Superintendent or designee, and school committee policies.

Benefits

• A $1,500 stipend is available to paraprofessionals working in an autism classroom, multi-disabilities classroom, or on a changing team for a student with toileting needs.
• Benefits information is linked in the job posting, but specific benefits are not listed.

What This Job Offers

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