Paraprofessional - Special Education (Dual Assignment)

The Paraprofessional – Special Education (Dual Assignment) plays a vital role in supporting the behavioral, educational, and social-emotional development of young children with disabilities in both classroom and extended day settings. This includes implementing strategies from IEPs and behavior plans, assisting with transitions and physical needs, and maintaining active supervision and engagement throughout the day.

This is a dual-assignment role structured as follows:

• During the 6.5-hour school day, the paraprofessional is employed directly by the Newark Board of Education (NBOE) Office of Special Education. They are assigned to Clinton Hill classrooms to fulfill IEP-mandated aide services, supporting one or more students with disabilities in an inclusive setting. Compensation and employment terms for these hours are determined and paid by NBOE.
• During the extended day period (aftercare) and on non-instructional days (e.g., professional development or school closures where Clinton Hill operates programming), the paraprofessional is employed and paid by Clinton Hill Community & Early Childhood Center. These hours ensure continuity of care and support for students across the full day and support Clinton Hill’s commitment to high-quality, inclusive programming.

Because these paraprofessionals are embedded within Clinton Hill's instructional community, they are expected to participate in all assigned professional development, training, and classroom planning activities. Clinton Hill will provide compensation for these hours and ensure that appropriate support and supervision are in place.

This role is ideal for compassionate and flexible professionals committed to supporting children with special needs across both instructional and extended care environments, and who are willing to navigate a collaborative dual-employer structure in service of student success.

This is a 10-month position aligned to the school year calendar. Summer employment opportunities with Clinton Hill’s extended year programming may be available for paraprofessionals in good standing and based on program needs.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Minimum: High School Diploma or equivalent
• Preferred: Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Preschool or Infant/Toddler Development

Candidates who do not currently hold a CDA must:

• Enroll in a CDA program at the next available course offering
• Obtain their CDA credential within 18 months of hire

Clinton Hill will provide scholarship support for the CDA after the employee has successfully completed three months of effective service.

Additional Requirements:

• Prior experience working with young children, particularly those with disabilities, in a school, childcare, or community setting
• Demonstrated ability to support children with behavioral, developmental, or social-emotional needs through strategies such as redirection, sensory regulation, or visual schedules
• Comfort and reliability in supporting physical needs (e.g., toileting, feeding, lifting, or mobility assistance)
• Strong interpersonal skills and a positive, team-oriented approach to working with teachers, families, and children
• Willingness to follow through on both Newark Board of Education expectations during the school day and Clinton Hill expectations for aftercare and professional development
• Flexibility, reliability, and a genuine commitment to inclusive education and child well-being

Compensation & Benefits Summary:

This is a non-benefits-eligible position for the purposes of medical, dental, and vision coverage. However, Clinton Hill provides meaningful support and investment in paraprofessionals through the following:

• Paid holidays aligned with Clinton Hill’s administrative closure calendar
• Paid participation in required professional development and training sessions
• Eligibility for CDA scholarship funding after three months of effective service (subject to available funding)
• Opportunities for growth and advancement within Clinton Hill’s early childhood and extended day programs
• Ongoing coaching and support from program leadership and inclusion teams