Student Support Specialist (Special Education Program Aide)
About The Position
As a Student Support Specialist , you will help create learning spaces where Scholars feel safe, supported, and able to flourish. You will work under the direct supervision of a licensed special education teacher to implement individualized supports, reinforce classroom routines, and ensure that Scholars with diverse learning needs experience consistency, care, and high expectations. Grounded in The One City Way , EL Education , and our CRISP Habits of Character —Compassion, Risk, Integrity, Self-Respect, and Persistence—you’ll help Scholars build the academic, social, and emotional skills that make learning joyful and meaningful. You’ll also be part of a school community rooted in Crew—our belief that we are responsible for one another’s success.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Eligibility for or possession of the Wisconsin DPI #0070 Special Education Program Aide license
- At least 1–3 years of experience working with children or youth
- Ability to follow teacher-designed instructional and behavior plans
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices
- Willingness to complete DPI paraprofessional requirements
Nice To Haves
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Education, Special Education, Child Development, or a related field
- Experience supporting IEPs, BIPs, or special education settings
- Background in trauma-informed or restorative practices
- Experience supporting Scholars with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum
- Bilingual or multicultural experience
Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1, small-group, and push-in instructional support
- Implement IEP goals, accommodations, and behavior supports under teacher supervision
- Reinforce classroom routines such as Threshold, Do Now, Strong Start, Opening/Closing Crew
- Support lesson material accessibility within the paraprofessional scope of practice
- Collect and track data for progress monitoring and IEP updates
- Model and teach self-regulation, conflict resolution, and social communication skills
- Support Scholars with communication, sensory, or behavioral needs, including autistic learners
- Use trauma-informed and restorative approaches during moments of dysregulation
- Participate in restorative circles, community-building routines, and Closing Crew
- Provide physical support when needed (feeding, toileting, ambulation, safety support)
- Partner with special educators, general educators, and related service providers
- Maintain confidentiality in alignment with FERPA, DPI, and IDEA requirements
- Follow DPI-aligned paraprofessional scope of practice and supervision guidelines
- Participate in IEP meetings, professional development, and Student Support Team huddles
- Reinforce consistent expectations across arrival, transitions, lunchroom, recess, and dismissal
- Build warm, strengths-based relationships with Scholars and families
- Support schoolwide events, family engagement activities, and celebrations of learning
Benefits
- Comprehensive Package
- Competitive salary
- 11-month schedule aligned to school calendar
- PTO plus holidays, winter break, and spring break
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with 5.9% employer match
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Unique One City Benefits
- On-campus infant and early learning care with discounted tuition
- Homeownership support through the Own-It Program ($19,000 down payment grants)
- Admission priority for age-eligible children of employees
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
