Overview:
Join Our Team at KEYS Academy, Supported by Health Connect America! KEYS Academy is a network of Private Special Education Day schools serving students across Virginia in grades K-12. Guided by the principles of Safety, Dignity, and Opportunity and rooted in trauma informed care, our schools provide structured, supportive learning environments where students build academic skills, strengthen social-emotional development and self-regulation, set and meet achievable goals, and rediscover confidence in learning.
Through small classroom settings and individualized support, our teams help students develop the skills needed for academic success and positive future transitions. Supported by Health Connect America;
KEYS Academy combines the close-knit culture of a school community with the resources and professional support of a multi-state organization dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families.
KEYS Academy schools are licensed by the Virgina Department of Education and accredited through Virginia Association of Independent Special Education Facilities (VAISEF).
Responsibilities:
What a Day at KEYS Academy Looks Like: In this role, you will work alongside teachers and support staff in a structured classroom environment designed to help students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Each day focuses on building positive relationships and group communication skills, reinforcing learning, and helping students develop confidence through consistent practices and individualized support.
This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working closely with students with varied academic and social-emotional needs, supporting learning in small classroom environments, and contributing to a collaborative school team. As a KEYS Academy Paraprofessional, you will support students and teachers in creating a safe, dignified, and engaging learning environment. Working under the guidance of the School Director and classroom teacher, you will provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support that helps maximize instructional time and promote student well-being and success.
Responsibilities: - Support a structured and culturally responsive classroom environment that promotes safety, dignity, and readiness for learning.
- Assist students in understanding classroom routines, expectations for individual and group interactions, and behavioral boundaries while reinforcing positive engagement.
- Provide individualized and small-group support to reinforce academic skills and learning activities directed by the teacher.
- Assist with implementation of lesson activities, accommodations, and supports aligned with student IEP goals.
- Help students utilize instructional tools and online learning platforms such as Courseware, Exact Path, Wilson Reading Systems, Reflex Math, and LEXIA.
- Help students understand and apply the social -emotional and communication strategies embedded within the KEYS for a Big Life and Social Thinking curricula.
- Provide encouragement and feedback that supports students' academic participation, social-emotional development and behavior regulation.
- Collaborate with teachers and school staff to support student success and maintain consistent classroom practices.
- Assist with supervision during classroom transitions, lunch, recreation, and school activities, including community-based experiences as assigned.
- Support classroom preparation, organization of materials, and daily operational needs of the learning environment.
- Assist with documentation, data collection, and communication related to student progress as directed by the classroom teacher.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support student success and school operations.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience - High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate degree, paraprofessional certification, or coursework in education, psychology, human services, or a related field preferred.
- Experience working with children or adolescents in an educational, childcare, or youth-serving environment preferred.
Skills & Competencies - Ability to build positive relationships with students and staff.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to maintain patience, consistency, confidentiality and professionalism in a structured classroom environment and school setting.
- Ability to follow direction and work effectively as part of a team.
Additional Requirements - Ability to meet state and federal background check and clearance requirements.
- Ability to perform duties within a school environment, including physical ability to be trained in behavior regulation and support programs and physical movement throughout the classroom and campus as needed.
- Ability to complete required training and certifications within established timelines following hire.
B e Well with Us We recognize the important work educators and school staff do each day and the need for balance and support to sustain that work. KEYS Academy promotes a structured school environment designed to support both student success and employee wellbeing.
Full-time employees enjoy paid time off, paid holidays, and a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with confidential counseling sessions
- Health Savings Account with company contribution
- Dependent Daycare Flexible Spending Account
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Access to a Health Navigator
- Benefits Hub and Tickets at Work employee discount programs
Make a difference. Grow your career. Join KEYS Academy, supported by Health Connect America. Employment at Health Connect America and its companies is contingent upon meeting the requirements of a comprehensive background investigation prior to joining our team.
Health Connect America and its companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other basis forbidden under federal, state, or local law. For more information on Equal Opportunity, please click here Equal Employment Opportunity Posters 
