Special Education Paraprofessional (Immediate Opening)

KIPP • New Orleans, LA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

KIPP Paraprofessionals are instructional and student support teammates who ensure every student has access to grade-level learning and the social-emotional supports to thrive. They deliver targeted interventions, facilitate small-group instruction, implement accommodations and behavior plans, and provide specialized support in inclusion, resource, and self-contained settings. Paraprofessionals may also be asked to flex to cover classes, sub when needed, and keep the school day running smoothly.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s degree or 48+ college credit hours preferred (per ESSA/Title I para requirements).
• Experience working with children or youth in schools, camps, or community programs.
• Commitment to inclusive practices, high expectations for all learners, and culturally responsive teamwork.
• Ability to follow instructional plans, collect data accurately, and maintain confidentiality (FERPA/IDEA).
• Willingness to assist with personal care and behavior supports as trained.
• A personal affinity to our mission and vision, as well as demonstrated commitment to our 5 core beliefs - Relentlessness, Elevation, Achievement, Community, and Hope.
• All offers are considered pending until the successful completion of a professional reference check, including your most recent supervisor, as well as a state/federal background check.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree or 48+ college credit hours preferred (per ESSA/Title I para requirements).
• Paraeducator certification or PRAXIS ParaPro.
• Experience in special education (inclusion, resource, AFS/self-contained) and/or behavior programs (BSP, 1:1).
• Training in CPI/nonviolent crisis intervention, ABA fundamentals, or assistive technology

Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based interventions (phonics, reading comprehension, math fluency, writing) aligned to teacher plans and school RTI/MTSS systems.
• Lead or support small-group instruction during core blocks and intervention periods; monitor and document student progress using school data tools.
• Reinforce classroom routines, academic language, and learning objectives; circulate to prompt thinking, check for understanding, and provide immediate feedback.
• Prepare materials, anchor charts, and manipulatives; maintain an organized, accessible learning environment.
• Support assessment administration (screeners, progress monitoring, exit tickets) and enter data with accuracy and timeliness.
• Implement IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications with fidelity across settings (general education, inclusion, resource).
• Provide targeted re-teaching, pre-teaching, and scaffolded practice using high-quality instructional materials; assist with assistive technology and accessible formats.
• Collect service minutes and progress data; communicate strengths, needs, and next steps to the special education teacher/case manager.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to co-plan logistics (seating, prompts, visuals, behavior supports) that preserve access to grade-level content.
• Support compliance tasks (student work samples, progress reports, documentation) as directed by the special education teacher.
• Support instruction in functional academics, communication, daily living, community, and vocational skills using structured, predictable routines.
• Implement individualized visual schedules, task analyses, and prompt hierarchies; collect precise data on student independence and generalization.
• Assist with personal care needs (toileting, feeding, mobility, hygiene) with dignity and adherence to training and safety protocols.
• Facilitate inclusive opportunities and community-based instruction as appropriate; ensure safe transportation and transitions.
• Implement individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and crisis-prevention strategies with consistency; use de-escalation and restorative practices.
• Provide high-rates of active supervision, positive reinforcement, and structured choice; track ABC data and frequency/duration metrics.
• Serve as a 1:1 paraprofessional when assigned: prime expectations, prompt skill use (coping, replacement behaviors), and coordinate with the behavior team on daily goals.
• Maintain student and staff safety; follow all incident reporting, CPI/nonviolent crisis intervention, and confidentiality requirements.
• Provide short-term class coverage or sub for teachers per school needs (instructional plans provided).
• Support arrival/dismissal, transitions, lunch/recess, hall monitoring, and testing administration.
• Communicate regularly with teachers and families using strengths-based language; uphold KNOS core values and school norms.
• Participate in professional learning, coaching, and practice-based rehearsal; incorporate feedback to continuously improve.

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan – KNOS matches 100% of employee contribution up to the first 5% of salary and any bonuses. Vested immediately in 403(b).
• Comprehensive, customizable health coverage, including disability, life insurance, hospital indemnity, FSAs for health and dependent care, and free dental and vision for employees.
• ~30 paid holidays and additional paid time off.
• Opportunities for on-going professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED