Special Education Paraprofessional (2025-2026 School Year)

Special Education Paraprofessional - The Exceptional Learners Collaborative (ELC) is seeking exceptional certified paraprofessional applicants for the 2025-2026 school year. This position is a full time 10-month role. The ELC is located in Vernon Hills (Lake County), Illinois; is a special education cooperative providing services to students identified with special needs, ages 3 through 22 years of age. The ELC represents Kildeer Countryside Community Consolidated School District 96, Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103, Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125 and Fox Lake District 114. The ELC serves eight elementary schools, four junior high/middle schools and one high school.

Work Location:

Exceptional Learners Collaborative

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The paraprofessional will assist special education students with daily routines that ensure student access to curriculum including schoolwork, homework, test preparation, mobility, transitions activities and daily medical/safety needs. The paraprofessional will be expected to work collaboratively with certified staff and administration. Paraprofessionals will support teacher implementation of daily classroom programming including administrative support as requested. Paraprofessional support includes but is not limited to any of the following:

• Assist students with academic support in a variety of academic and social settings.
• Assist students during community based instruction as directed by certified staff.
• Assist students will following daily schedules and routines.
• Assist students with toileting and hygiene as necessary.
• Assist students with mobility throughout the school setting.
• Assist students with transitions within the classroom and in the hallways.
• Assist students to ensure medical safety.
• Assist students with feeding as necessary.
• Assist teacher with monitoring student behavior during structured and unstructured settings.
• Asist in the development of study materials and/or modification of work.
• Support student use of technology.
• Transport students for community based experiences including mobility trips and work sites.
• Provide safety needs for all students.
• Provide job coaching for on site and community based work sites.
• Participate in student meetings as directed by supervisor.
• Participate and engage in on-site professional development.
• Participate and assist in therapy sessions in collaboration with certified staff.
  
  

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Illinois Paraprofessional License.
• College experience preferred.
• Experience with high school and/or special needs student is beneficial but not required.
• Appropriate certification for School Bus Permit required or willing to be obtained within the first six (6) months of employment.
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to work effectively with all members of the educational community.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professional discretion.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with a variety of professionals.
  
  

Salary & Benefit Information

• Starting pay is $25/hour
• This is a 10-month, Monday through Friday position, 7.5 hours per day
  
  

Exceptional Learners Collaborative Provides a Comprehensive Benefits Plan Including

• Health, Dental and Vision insurance, including Board-paid single/employee medical insurance, and shared cost for family coverage
• Life Insurance
• IMRF Enrollment and participation
• Sick, Personal, and Bereavement leave time
• Paid holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
  
  

Application Process:

Online applications are required (www.elced.org). Applicants should complete the electronic application process and upload a letter of interest, current resume, references and transcripts.

Physical Requirements

While performing job, employee is required to:

(F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, S = Seldom)

Climb Ladders

S

Kneel

F

Lift/Carry>50 lbs

S

Push/Pull>50 lbs

S

Talk

F

Climb Stairs

F

Lift/Carry under 10 lbs

F

Push/Pull under 10 lbs

F

See

F

Twist

O

Crawl

O

Lift/Carry 10-25 lbs

O

Push/Pull 10-25 lbs

O

Squat

O

Walk

F

Hear

F

Lift/Carry 25-50 lbs

S

Push/Pull 25-50 lbs

S

Stoop/Bend

F