Special Education Aide

Framingham Public Schools • Framingham, MA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Framingham Public Schools is hiring a Special Education Aide for its Autism Program at Juniper Hill Preschool for the 2025–2026 school year. The aide supports students with disabilities in a substantially separate Autism program under the direction of a certified teacher. The program provides intensive social-pragmatic, academic, and behavioral support using approaches such as ABA, discrete trial training, task analysis, floor time, and total communication to build social and academic-readiness skills. It blends social-developmental and behavioral approaches to address students’ educational needs.

The aide assists with instruction, supervision, assessment, individualized education program (IEP) supports, student data collection, and daily living activities. The role involves collaboration with educators and related-service staff, safeguarding confidential student information, and supporting students’ safety and independence. 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 position is hourly and non-exempt, and is covered under the Framingham Teachers Association (Unit T) Contract.

Requirements

• 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 collection, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and ongoing professional learning to inform practice.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the community.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to work independently, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks.
• Commitment to complying with district requirements, applicable laws, and Framingham Public Schools 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.
• Proficiency with technology, including computers and Google Workspace for Education, and willingness to learn new tools.
• 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.
• Proactive, reflective, and solution-focused approach to supporting student growth and success.
• Ability to meet the physical and communication demands of the position, including assisting students with physical difficulties and personal care.

Nice To Haves

• 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, supporting students academically, socially, and behaviorally 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.
• Support student safety, including participating in crisis response and approved restraint procedures when necessary; attend training and maintain certification in de-escalation and physical-management techniques.
• Collect individual student data and report concerns and progress.
• Escort and supervise students between 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 activities, including eating, mobility, communication, dressing, and toileting, including diapering; promote independence.
• Protect confidential information and student records in compliance with FERPA and HIPAA.
• Perform other duties assigned by teachers, administrators, supervisors, the Superintendent or designee, and school policies.

Benefits

• A $1,500 stipend is available to qualifying paraprofessionals working in an Autism classroom, multi-disabilities classroom, or on a changing team for a student with toileting needs.

What This Job Offers

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