Special Ed Classroom Assistant

Overview

CPS Careers Search Apply Get Hired

Posting Date: Mar 12, 2026, 8:24:17 PM

Primary Location: South Side-1419 East 89th Street (Mary E McDowell School)

Salary Range: $41,766.58 to $60,584.36

Job Description

Class Title: Special Education Classroom Assistant

Responsibilities

• Under the general direction of the school principal, and under the immediate supervision of a Special Education teacher holding a valid teaching certificate, assist in the instruction of disabled students and perform related duties as required.
• Assist Special Education teachers in elementary and high schools in reinforcing efforts with children with various disabilities, including physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional impairments, and mental impairments in accordance with each student's Individual Education Program (IEP).
• Lifting and positioning non-ambulatory students during the school day as instructed by the teacher and in adherence to written instruction from students' personal physicians.
• Provide one-on-one tutoring services for students to present or reinforce learning concepts.
• Provide one-on-one personal hygiene services for students with severe disabilities, including toileting, changing soiled diapers, and cleaning soiled children regardless of age.
• Assist students with orthopedic impairments by arranging and adjusting tools, work aids, and equipment used by students in classrooms, including but not limited to specially equipped worktables, positioning equipment, wheelchairs, tape recorders, computers, communication devices, and mechanized page turners.
• Assist teachers in instructing students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency.
• Accompany students to swimming pools and medical clinics to assist in removing clothing and performing other personal services which students are unable to perform themselves.
• Assist in feeding students unable to do so themselves.
• Take notes in classrooms for students unable to do so themselves.
• Correct homework assignments and examination materials; assist teachers in maintaining written records of students' behavior.
• Accompany students and teachers on class field trips; attend and participate in workshops and in-service training to update job-related skills.

Marginal Functions

• May utilize aggressive management techniques to physically restrain violent students, may administer CPR as directed by the teacher, may operate audio-visual equipment, may operate photocopying equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Certification Requirements: Must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which may be applied for and obtained after the successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit at a college or university accredited by the North Central Association or successful completion of a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro).

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skill: Good knowledge of the characteristics of students with various disabilities, good knowledge of English grammar and spelling, good knowledge of basic mathematics.

Ability to work with and for students with various disabilities, ages birth to twenty-one (21) years of age; ability to follow written and oral instructions and direction; ability to complete and maintain basic written reports. (Ability to perform CPR is highly desirable. Individuals who do not provide evidence of CPR training at time of initial employment will complete CPR training as a condition of employment.)

Good oral and written communication skills, skill in the operation of photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements: Medium Work - Exerting up to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty (20) pounds of force frequently, and/or up to ten (10) pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands include the ability to reach, handle, and finger objects; talk and hear; occasional use of near visual acuity and frequent use of far visual acuity.

Health & Wellness

Your Care, Your Choice

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security

Planning for Today and Tomorrow

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance

Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies.

Keep in touch to hear about our organization.