Special Education Instructional Assistant

Matchbook Learning•Indianapolis, IN

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Matchbook Learning is hiring a full-time Instructional Assistant for the DREAM Life Skills Program at Wendell Phillips School 63, a tuition-free public charter school serving students in grades K–8 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The program supports students with diverse learning needs as they develop academic, social, communication, self-regulation, and daily living skills that promote greater independence and confidence. Working under the guidance of the DREAM classroom teacher, the Instructional Assistant provides individualized and small-group support and helps maintain a structured, safe, and engaging learning environment. The role involves supporting instruction and individualized student goals, assisting with personal care and daily living tasks as needed, and collaborating with school staff and families. The school describes its culture as student-centered and inclusive, with coaching and support from special education staff, administrators, counselors, and a restorative team. The stated school day is 7:00 AM–3:00 PM. Starting pay is $25.00 per hour. Matchbook Learning offers ongoing professional development, coaching, and training in crisis prevention, IEP implementation, data collection, and behavior support.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience or genuine interest in working with students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
Patient, nurturing, and relationship-driven approach with students.
Willingness to obtain CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) or equivalent de-escalation certification.
Commitment to equity, high expectations, and serving students with high needs.
Growth mindset and willingness to receive coaching, feedback, and pursue continuous improvement.
Patience, consistency, and a calm, student-centered presence, including in challenging moments.
Reliability and attendance.
Commitment to knowing each student as an individual.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or 30 or more college credits, noted as a plus for Title I paraprofessional requirements.
Prior experience as a paraprofessional, instructional assistant, or in a special education setting.
Experience supporting students with IEPs, behavior plans, or daily living and self-care needs.
Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Build positive, trusting relationships with students through consistent encouragement, guidance, and individualized support throughout the school day.
Support students’ academic, communication, social, self-regulation, and daily living skills through one-on-one and small-group instruction.
Assist the DREAM classroom teacher in implementing lessons, accommodations, and instructional activities aligned with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Help foster a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment by reinforcing routines, promoting independence, and using positive behavior support strategies.
Assist students with personal care, daily living tasks, classroom transitions, and community-based learning experiences as needed.
Prepare instructional materials, collect student data, and maintain an organized classroom environment.
Collaborate with the DREAM classroom teacher and school staff to support individualized student goals and contribute to a positive, inclusive school culture.
Model patience, flexibility, professionalism, and a student-centered approach in interactions with students, families, and colleagues.
Implement IEP accommodations and behavior support plans as directed by the DREAM teacher.
Maintain reliable attendance and obtain or maintain CPI/de-escalation certification.

Benefits

5% 401(k) match, dollar for dollar, vested at 90 days.
Health and dental insurance, including a health plan option with a $0 employee premium.
Tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 per school year.
10 PTO days each school year, prorated for mid-year starts.
$1,500 perfect attendance bonus.
Thanksgiving week off.
Fall, winter, spring, and summer breaks.
Ongoing professional development, coaching, and training.
Paid CPI/crisis prevention certification.
Growth pathway within the Special Education team.