Specialized one-on-one Paraprofessional

Maranatha Christian Academy (MCA) is a private school serving Grades pre-kindergarten through 12 in Brooklyn Park, MN. MCA is currently hiring a full-time, one-on-one, specialized behavioral and academic support paraprofessional for the 2026-27 school year.

We are seeking a resilient, highly structured, and compassionate professional to provide dedicated academic and behavioral support for a middle school student. Operating primarily out of a separate "Learning Lab," this role will serve as their executive functioning coach and behavioral anchor, helping the student manage their emotional regulation while systematically scaffolding coursework for a phased return to the general classroom. This is a unique, high-impact role requiring a blend of firm boundary-setting, data-driven tracking, and Christ-like patience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (other duties as assigned)

• Behavioral De-escalation & Regulation: Monitor emotional zones, proactively implement coping strategies, and manage task-refusal or outbursts calmly without entering into power struggles or negotiations.
• Academic Scaffolding: Work 1:1 with the student to modify and shorten assignments by 50% per the accommodation plan, using visual timers, graphic organizers, and Speech-to-Text software.
• Scribing & Assistive Support: Act as an executive scribe during writing blocks to separate high-level analytical thoughts from physical writing deficits.

• Transitional Oversight: Accurately manage structured transitions, including walking the student through hallways 2 minutes ahead of the standard bell curve to minimize sensory overwhelm.

• Data Tracking: Maintain a rigorous daily log tracking emotional zones and work completion percentages to provide the administration with objective metrics for student re-entry timeline.

• Assist with classroom participation, task completion, and organization of materials.
• Support the student's social-emotional development by encouraging positive interactions and appropriate behavior.
• Work closely with the classroom teacher, learning support services team, and parents to implement learning plans.
  
• Follow MCA’s discipline policies and procedures, providing loving biblical conflict resolution

Desired Qualifications

• This role requires someone who does not take behavioral resistance personally and can hold a firm boundary with quiet confidence.
• Experience: Background in Special Education, Child Psychology, Behavioral Analysis (ABA), or dedicated paraprofessional coaching is preferred. Experience with trauma-informed care and ADHD is a plus.
• Ability to maintain professional, objective, data-backed boundaries with both school staff and highly involved parents.
• A committed Christian leader who can beautifully balance strict, real-world accountability with deep empathy and patience