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Paraprofessional

The Stepping Stones Group

Make a Difference Every Day

Empowering Students, Enriching Futures!

School-Based Paraprofessional | Full-Time | PreK-12 Special Education | Autism Support | Multiple OpeningsAbout the Opportunity

Are you passionate about supporting students and helping them reach their full potential? The Stepping Stones Group is seeking dedicated Paraprofessionals to join our team for the rest of the 2026-2027 school year. This is more than a job. It's a chance to make a meaningful impact while working alongside educators and support teams, helping students with high support needs build the academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and life skills they need to succeed. We have multiple full-time openings.

You'll work with teachers and special education staff to provide one-on-one, two-on-one, or classroom support, mostly to elementary students with autism and other high support needs.

  • Pay: $23-$24 per hour
  • Schedule: Monday-Friday, full-time, 32.5 hours per week (6.5 hours per day plus a 30-minute unpaid break), either 7:30 AM-2:30 PM or 9:00 AM-4:00 PM depending on the assignment, no evenings or overnights
  • Setting: Onsite, PreK-12 (mostly elementary), one-on-one, two-on-one, and classroom support in general education and special education settings
  • Sites: Possible support at 1-2 school sites
  • Start date: Immediate, through the end of the 2026-27 school year (late May)
  • Employment type: W-2
  • Location: Shared with candidates during the application process

What You'll Do

  • Provide one-on-one, two-on-one, and classroom support throughout the school day
  • Provide behavioral support and intervention, and use positive reinforcement and proactive strategies
  • Assist with personal care and daily needs, which may include mobility, feeding, toileting, and diapering
  • Provide emotional support and general academic support, including help with assignments
  • Collect and document data as directed by the teacher and school team
  • Assist the teacher(s) and classroom aides as needed
  • Support implementation of IEP accommodations and behavior plans as directed
  • Assist students during transitions, arrival, dismissal, lunch, and recess as assigned
  • Collaborate with teachers, special education staff, therapists, and administrators
  • Complete the school district's onboarding modules, either before you start or at the district
  • Maintain accurate documentation and student records, and maintain confidentiality
  • Help maintain a safe, structured, positive, and inclusive learning environment

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • School-based experience
  • Ability to complete a background check, fingerprinting, and a child protective services check
  • Ability to complete the district's onboarding modules
  • Comfort with toileting and diapering assistance, if needed
  • Ability to follow instructional plans, classroom procedures, and behavioral support strategies
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and positive working relationships
  • Authorization to work in the United States; English proficiency

You'll Thrive in This Role If You Are Open To:

  • Working with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emotional disturbance (ED), other health impairments (OHI), and high support needs
  • Working with students of all ages, from pre-K through 12th grade, mostly elementary
  • Working with medically fragile students
  • Providing toileting and diapering assistance if needed
  • Working in both general education and special education settings
  • Adjusting your caseload or school site based on district needs
  • Working fully onsite and in person

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting students with autism and high support needs
  • Experience with behavior support strategies or applied behavior analysis (ABA)
  • Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification, or willingness to obtain it
  • CPR and First Aid certification
  • CPI, Safety-Care, or other crisis prevention and de-escalation training
  • Associate's or bachelor's degree in education, psychology, child development, or a related field

Related Experience We Value

Experience as a Paraprofessional, Instructional Aide, Teacher Assistant, Educational Assistant, Classroom Aide, Special Education Assistant, Behavior Technician, Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Student Support Assistant, or Direct Support Professional (DSP) is highly valued.

Why Candidates Choose This Role

  • Gain hands-on experience in education and student support
  • Build experience for careers in teaching, special education, psychology, counseling, social work, and healthcare
  • Follow a predictable school schedule, with weekends, evenings, holidays, and school breaks typically off
  • Work alongside experienced teachers, therapists, and educational professionals
  • Develop professional skills in instructional support, behavior management, and student engagement

Why You'll Love Working With Us

  • Competitive pay of $23-$24 per hour
  • Health and wellness benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance and 401(k) retirement plan for eligible employees
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • Continuing education resources
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • Responsive and supportive leadership
  • Opportunities for career growth and advancement
  • Meaningful work that directly impacts students and communities

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to remain active throughout the school day, including frequent standing, walking, kneeling, bending, crouching, and repositioning
  • Ability to respond quickly and safely to student needs, behaviors, and classroom situations
  • Ability to assist students with mobility, toileting, and daily living activities, if needed
  • Additional requirements may vary by assignment

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

Successful Paraprofessionals are patient, dependable, adaptable, and student-focused. They stay calm in challenging moments, collaborate effectively with school teams, build positive relationships with students, and create supportive learning environments that promote confidence, independence, and success.

About The Stepping Stones Group

We believe every child deserves exceptional support for their academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth. We partner with schools across the country to provide high-quality educational services that help students build confidence, develop new skills, and reach meaningful milestones, and we give our team members the support, training, and resources to thrive.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today. Please share your school-based experience, and any experience with autism, when you apply. Selected candidates will meet the school team in a meet and greet.

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Paraprofessional

Charlottesville, VA
Full Time
23.00 - 24.00

Published on 10/30/2026

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