1:1 Paraprofessional – Therapeutic Day School (High School)

Location: Lake County, IL
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7.5 hours/day
Start Date: 8/17 through the 2026/27 school year
Pay: $25–$35/hour
Employment Type: Contract, through Spotter Staffing

About the Placement

Spotter Staffing is partnering with a therapeutic day school serving students with significant emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs. This role provides 1:1 support to a student in either a middle school or high school classroom setting (candidate preference considered). The program emphasizes individualized support, life skills, and a collaborative team model (teachers, social workers, nurses, therapists).

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support to an assigned student throughout the school day
• Implement behavior plans, IEP goals, and de-escalation strategies as directed by the classroom teacher/BCBA
• Support academic tasks, transitions, and daily living/self-help routines
• Document behavior data and communicate consistently with the classroom team
• Assist with community-based instruction and vocational/life-skills activities as applicable

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; Associate's degree or 60 college credits preferred (per IL para requirements)
• Illinois Paraprofessional License (or ability to obtain)
• Experience with students with emotional/behavioral disorders, autism, or significant needs strongly preferred
• Crisis prevention/de-escalation training (e.g., CPI, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention) a plus
• Patience, consistency, and physical ability to support students during behavioral episodes

Must-Haves to Step In

1. Comfort working 1:1 with students who have significant emotional/behavioral needs
2. Ability to stay calm and consistent during escalations/crisis moments
3. Willingness to follow behavior plans and team direction precisely (not improvise)

Why Consider This Role

• Flexible pay range based on experience ($25–$35/hr)
• Full school-year assignment starting 8/17 (26/27 SY) — stability through June
• Supportive, multidisciplinary team environment