Chicago Public Schools·Chicago, Illinois
The Special Education Classroom Assistant supports teachers in instructing students with various disabilities by reinforcing learning concepts and providing one-on-one tutoring. They also perform essential personal care duties, including hygiene assistance, mobility support, and maintaining behavioral records.
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). Also refer to: ⦁ Illinois State Board of Education ⦁ Educator License Application ⦁ Work Keys ⦁ Paraprofessional Assessment 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 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is highly desirable. Individuals who do not provide evidence of the completion of training in CPR at the time of initial employment in this class title 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 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 CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs: Medical Plan Options Pharmacy Dental Vision Behavioral Health & EAP Employee Wellness Program Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options: 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: Paid Leave Sick Leave Vacation Days Parental Leaves Short-Term Disability Religious Holidays Leaves Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
Candidates must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education, obtained through college credits or a paraprofessional exam. The role requires the physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and the capacity to work with students ranging from birth to twenty-one years of age.
Market context
Illinois special education classroom assistant roles are commonly driven by ongoing district needs for paraprofessional support in inclusive and self-contained settings. Competition can be stronger for candidates who already hold a valid TASN paraprofessional license, meet the 60-semester-hour or exam requirement, and can show solid knowledge of disabilities, clear communication, and the ability to follow instructions. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit before applying.