Indiana Connections Academy - Life Skills Instructional Assistant, School Year 2024-2025

Company Summary

Indiana Connections Academy (INCA) is a tuition-free, virtual public charter school for students in grades K-12 throughout Indiana. INCA is authorized by Ball State University and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Indiana Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Indiana, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. The school was founded in 2010, as part of the Indiana Department of Education Virtual School Pilot Program and became a charter school in the fall of 2011. INCA is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, an accrediting division of AdvancED.

Indiana Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

The Virtual Life Skills Instructional Assistant provides support to students with disabilities in developing functional, social, and communication skills through online education platforms. This role assists the life skills teacher in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), monitoring student progress, and engaging students in virtual activities that promote independence, self-advocacy, and problem-solving.

The Special Education Paraprofessional will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• Support Instructional Activities: Assist in delivering life skills curriculum by supporting individualized online lessons in areas such as organization, time management, emotional regulation, and basic problem-solving skills.
• Foster Social and Communication Skills: Encourage appropriate social interactions and communication in a virtual setting, modeling positive behavior and providing feedback on social cues and conversational skills.
• Encourage Self-Advocacy and Independence: Guide students to complete tasks independently where possible, offering tools, reminders, and support as needed to promote autonomy.
• Assist in Goal Tracking: Collect data on student progress toward life skills goals, maintaining accurate and confidential records for reporting to teachers and IEP teams.
• Support Behavioral and Sensory Needs: Use trauma-informed and sensory-friendly strategies to support students, especially those with anxiety or sensitivities, creating a safe and responsive virtual environment.
• Communication with Families and Team: Maintain regular communication with families, teachers, and support staff to discuss student progress, challenges, and strategies for support.
• Utilize Assistive Technology: Employ technology and accessibility tools (screen readers, visual schedules, etc.) to enhance students' access to learning and participation.
• Maintain Flexibility and Adaptability: Tailor activities and materials to each student’s unique needs and goals, adapting to different learning paces and preferences.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 2 years experience working with children, preferably children with disabilities, and demonstrate highly qualified status; or AA degree with 1 year of experience working with children preferably children with disabilities
• Intermediate computer/keyboarding skills
• Basic instructional and assistive technology knowledge
• Advanced reading and writing skills
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to compute rate, ratio, percentages
  and interpret bar graphs
• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to relate to students including those with disabilities
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information at all times
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and email address for 2-step authentication