Lead Academic Paraprofessional

Position Overview:
The Lead Classroom Paraprofessional serves as a key member of the instructional support team in a highly structured private separate day school for students with special education needs. Reporting directly to the Case Manager, the Lead Classroom Para is responsible for daily coordination of paraprofessional staff, ensuring the consistent implementation of academic and behavioral programming, maintaining fidelity to individualized supports, and overseeing the smooth execution of daily routines. This role requires strong leadership, organization, and a deep understanding of the needs of students with emotional, behavioral, and/or developmental challenges.  

Core Responsibilities: 

Staffing & Daily Operations 

• Coordinate and manage daily para staffing schedules to ensure all student needs and classroom coverage requirements are met. 
• Serve as a first point of contact for paras during the school day, helping resolve staffing conflicts, transitions, and urgent coverage issues. 
• Monitor and support consistent implementation of classroom structures, routines, and student schedules across settings. 

Academic & Behavioral Fidelity 

• Conduct in-the-moment academic fidelity checks to ensure paraprofessionals are implementing instructional strategies as outlined in student plans. 
• Provide on-the-spot coaching and feedback to paraprofessionals to reinforce best practices in engagement, data collection, and redirection techniques. 
• Monitor adherence to visual schedules, reinforcement systems, and therapeutic supports. 

Paperwork & Documentation Oversight 

• Ensure all required daily documentation—including data sheets, incident reports, student logs, and academic tracking—is completed accurately and submitted on time. 
• Provide reminders, support, and quality checks to help paras meet compliance standards. 
• Troubleshoot documentation gaps and assist in resolving incomplete or inconsistent data. 

Collaboration & Communication 

• Work closely with the Case Manager to relay observations, concerns, and updates related to student progress and staff performance. 
• Attend staff meetings, case conferences, and debriefings as needed to ensure continuity of care and programming. 
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and respect among paraprofessional staff. 

Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, or a related field preferred 
• Minimum 2 years of experience working as a paraprofessional in a special education setting; leadership experience strongly preferred 
• Strong understanding of special education programming, particularly for students with autism, emotional disabilities, or other high-support needs 
• Demonstrated ability to implement behavior plans, support communication needs, and maintain safety in a therapeutic learning environment 
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and interpersonal communication skills 
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-intensity situations 

Working Conditions: 

• Full-time position in a therapeutic day school environment 
• May involve physical intervention or support in crisis situations  
• Frequent movement throughout the building to monitor and support paras in multiple classrooms or learning spaces 

BHA Academy is committed to providing individualized, evidence-based instruction in a safe and structured environment. The Lead Classroom Paraprofessional plays a central role in supporting both students and staff to achieve daily success.