Location
Champaign, Illinois
Salary
$21/hr
The Paraprofessional will provide classroom and therapy support under supervision, assisting with data collection, preparing instructional materials, and delivering instruction to help neurodiverse learners achieve academic and social outcomes. Key duties involve supporting direct-instruction and ABA-based activities, helping manage behavior support plans, and collaborating with the clinical and teaching team.
A high school diploma or GED is required, though college coursework in education or psychology is preferred. Candidates should possess strong communication and teamwork skills, adaptability, and a child-centered approach, with prior experience supporting neurodiverse learners being a plus.
Paraprofessional: ExcelPrep – Champaign, IL (On-site)
ExcelPrep is a mission-driven private program serving neurodiverse children through structured, research-based instruction. Our simple, unwavering mission is to prioritize the academic and social success of neurodiverse learners. We are a professional and agile organization delivering high-quality academic and therapeutic programming that supports meaningful learning outcomes.
Grounded in Direct Instruction and Precision Teaching. Instruction focuses on core academic skills—reading, writing, and mathematics—using explicit, systematic teaching methods that emphasize mastery, fluency, and generalization.
Cognition-linguistically based ABA program emphasizing cognitive skills and social behavior learning within a structured instructional environment. Instruction is individualized, data-driven, and focused on building foundational skills that support learning, communication, and independence.
Across both programs, we center: Direct Instruction and instructional design
Precision Teaching and data-based decision making
Instruction grounded in behavior science research
Occupational Therapy as a prioritized therapy alongside ABA to support sensory-motor development
Support direct-instruction and ABA-based activities under supervision.
Assist with data collection on target skills and behaviors; maintain organized notes and progress records.
Support structured instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, and functional skills.
Assist with OT-informed strategies and sensory-motor activities as appropriate within scope and supervision.
Help manage behavior support plans using positive, evidence-based approaches.
Prepare instructional materials, organize supplies, and set up learning spaces for engaging sessions.
Collaborate with BCBA, teachers, therapists, and families to ensure consistent programming.
Support student independence and generalization of skills in varied settings.
Participate in team meetings, training, and ongoing supervision.
High school diploma or GED; college coursework in education, psychology, or related fields preferred. Prior experience supporting neurodiverse learners is a plus. Strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills. Patience, adaptability, and a child-centered approach. Ability to pass background checks and TB screening.
Experience with Direct Instruction, Precision Teaching, or ABA-inspired programs. Familiarity with OT-informed strategies and integrated therapies. Comfortable working with ages 3–13 in a structured instructional environment.
Schedule & Work Environment
On-site positions at ExcelPrep’s Champaign, IL campus.
full-time and part-time roles available.
Typical school-day hours, with potential for after-school or therapy-block opportunities.
Compensation & Sign-On Bonus (Highlights)
Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
$300, paid after a defined onboarding period (e.g., 60 days from start; tax withholdings apply).
Ongoing professional development, supervision, and access to resources aligned with Direct Instruction, Precision Teaching, and ABA.
Supportive, mission-driven team culture focused on student outcomes.
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience and availability to: Email: careers@excelprep.org Subject: Paraprofessional Application – Champaign, IL
In your application, include: Availability (full-time/part-time; start date)
Any relevant experience with PreK–8 or ABA-based programs
ExcelPrep is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Market context
Illinois schools regularly need paraprofessionals to support classroom instruction, student behavior, and individualized learning, especially in settings serving diverse and neurodiverse learners. These roles are competitive because districts often look for candidates who combine a high school diploma or GED with strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability; prior experience with neurodiverse students can help. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, and tailor your application to show child-centered support experience and collaboration with teachers.
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