2025-26 Full-Time ESE Paraprofessional at The Autism Center

The Villages Charter School Autism Center is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of students on the autism spectrum. The center supports students’ academic, social, and emotional development through a combination of individualized instruction, specialized programs, and targeted therapies provided by our highly trained staff. Through incorporating principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), students will receive the support they need in a nurturing educational environment focused on individualized learning and growth.

The Villages Charter School Autism Center, LLC (TVCS AC) is a subsidiary of The Villages Charter School, Inc. which operates by a charter agreement approved by the Sumter County Board of Education and the Florida State Department of Education. Both The Villages Charter School (“VCS”) and The Villages Charter School Autism Center, LLC (TVCS AC) are Charter in the Workplace schools (see also School of Choice) founded primarily for the benefit of the children of employees of The Villages of Lake-Sumter, Inc. and those Business Partners who have in the past and continue to participate in the development of The Villages. Unlike traditional county schools, our enrollment criteria is based upon the place of employment of one of the parents/guardians rather than the geographic address of their home.

The Autism Center is located on the Buffalo Ridge campus serving K-6 students, offering a comprehensive support system tailored to each child’s unique needs through a collaborative approach involving passionate educators, therapists, behavioral specialists, and families. 

This position is full-time with an hourly wage commensurate with experience starting at $15.00.

DESCRIPTION:

The Villages Charter School Autism Center is seeking multiple ESE Paraprofessional candidates to support the ESE teacher in creating an enriching learning environment for our students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The ESE paraprofessional is responsible for assisting the teacher(s) and/or other school personnel by performing assigned tasks in the classroom and during wrap-around services. The goal is to provide a quality educational program for students within a specialized school setting.

The expectations include the following and other duties as assigned:

 Uphold and model TVCS Autism Center Core Values

• Assist the special education teacher in implementing IEPs and plans tailored to meet the individual needs of students with autism and monitor their progress.
• Assisting in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of classroom teachers.
• Providing support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities.
• Providing support and supervision within the classroom and during wrap-around services to our students. 
• Working in a team environment that includes other professionals such as behavioral therapists, teachers, and resource staff.
• Assisting classroom teachers with maintaining student records and data collection.
• Supporting students with emotional or behavioral concerns and assisting them in developing appropriate social skills.
• Assisting students with self-care including toileting, dressing, and hygiene.
• Assist the classroom teacher(s) in supervising classroom learning activities and preparation of instructional materials and equipment.
• Use effective, positive interpersonal skills
• Maintain a clean and orderly environment for students.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information.
• Assist in maintaining positive relationships between the school and the parents.
• Assist teacher in correcting student classwork and homework.
• Reading to students in small groups.
• Supervising students when the teacher must leave the room for a short period of time.
• Ability to administer basic first aid using universal precautions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 60 college hours (equivalent to an Associate Degree) or pass the ParaPro test.
• Experience working with children with autism in an educational or therapeutic setting.
• Knowledge of behavior management techniques and intervention strategies.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a part of a team and adapt to changing situations.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for working with autistic children.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Familiarity with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a plus, but not a requirement. 
• Such additional or alternative qualifications to the above as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

 ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

 Positions in this class require: stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to manipulate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Noise level in the work environment is moderate.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  

197 days – Non-Exempt. Length of the work year and hours of employment are those established by the Board. Additional days may be available for work during Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer camps. 

EVALUATION: 

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of TVCS AC policy on evaluations of personnel.