Elementary Teaching Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY

The Paraprofessional provides direct support to students with social, emotional, and behavioral needs to ensure they can successfully participate in the academic and social life of the school. This role involves collaborating with classroom teachers, special education staff, and the wellness team to implement behavior intervention plans, model positive behavior strategies, and maintain a structured, safe, and supportive environment.

• Support individual students or small groups in meeting behavioral and academic goals as outlined in IEPs or behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
• Implement deescalation and crisisintervention strategies as trained and directed by school staff.
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and school leadership to monitor behavior data and student progress.
• Reinforce socialemotional learning skills and coping strategies throughout the school day.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of behavioral incidents, interventions, and student progress.
• Provide consistent structure and predictability for students needing additional behavioral support.
• Supervise students during transitions, arrival, dismissal, recess, lunch, and other nonclassroom settings.
• Assist students in managing emotional regulation, task completion, and peer interactions.
• Model calm, respectful communication and restorative problemsolving strategies.

Support classroom teachers by helping maintain a positive and safe learning environment.

• Communicate regularly with the student support team and participate in meetings related to behavior planning.
• Use behavior tracking tools or digital systems for monitoring and reporting progress.
• Participate in staff training and professional development focused on traumainformed care, restorative practices, and positive behavior supports.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal or Lead Teacher.
Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Experience working with elementaryaged students exhibiting behavioral, emotional, or developmental challenges.
• Knowledge of positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), restorative practices, and traumainformed approaches.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and consistent in highstress situations.

Strong communication and collaboration skills with staff, students, and families.

Commitment to the school’s mission of equity, inclusion, and inquiry-based learning.

Ability to implement de-escalation and crisis response techniques effectively and safely.

• Comfort with using technology for data collection and communication.
• Capacity for reflection, flexibility, and ongoing professional growth.
• Qualifications Profile (Education and Certifications)

High School diploma or equivalent required.

Associate’s degree in education, psychology, social work, or a related field preferred.

Valid New York State Teaching Assistant Certification preferred.

Crisis intervention certification (e.g., CPI, TCI) preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire.

• Fingerprint clearance from the NYS Department of Education required.
• First aid and CPR certification preferred.
• Experience

Prior experience supporting students with behavioral or emotional disabilities in an urban school or similar setting is preferred.

Experience implementing or assisting with Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).

Familiarity with restorative practices, SEL frameworks, or special education environments strongly desired.

• Additional Details

The hiring process for this position will require a fingerprinted background check through the New York State TEACH System. Any written or verbal offer is contingent upon satisfactory results, as determined by NYSED and the HR/Director of Operations. Exploration Elementary Charter School does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, or disability. The school promotes diversity and provides equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities as required by law.