Open to opportunities

jess cestare

@jesscestare

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Paraprofessional supporting students with autism through individualized, classroom-centered learning and care.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role supporting children’s learning and development with autism or special needs—where I can work closely with teachers, provide individualized help, and use a positive, caring approach to build independence.

I’m a paraprofessional in Northampton, PA, where I support students with autism in the classroom by providing individualized assistance, reinforcing learning objectives, and promoting engagement in daily activities.

I monitor student progress and behavior to help students stay focused, on task, and actively participating, while also assisting with academic, social, and behavioral needs. I work to foster independence and confidence in the learning environment through consistent support.

I collaborate with teachers and staff to implement instructional strategies and accommodations that support student success. I also provide one-on-one and small-group support so students can complete assignments, follow classroom routines, and achieve educational goals.

Before my current role, I built experience through long-term babysitting and school-based observations, including helping with homework, reading, site words, spelling, and math/science-focused activities. I’m also a Child Development Associate, and I’m committed to using positive interactions to encourage children’s social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Paraprofessional

Current

Colonial IU 20

Apr 2023 - Present (3 years 3 months)

Supported students with autism by providing individualized assistance, reinforcing learning objectives, and promoting engagement in daily classroom activities. Monitored student progress and behavior and worked with teachers and staff to implement instructional strategies and accommodations.

Autism Support Reinforcing Learning Objectives Student Engagement Progress Monitoring Instructional Strategies Classroom Accommodations

Observed 2nd & 3rd Grade

Siegfried Elementary School

Observed 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms and wrote lesson plans for ECE 215 math and science-related content. Created a game for each subject to present to the classroom.

Lesson planning Classroom Activities

Observed 2nd Grade Classroom

Good Shepherd Catholic School

Observed 2nd grade classrooms and assisted children when help or guidance was needed. Supported small groups of 2–4 children with reading and math worksheets.

Math Worksheets Support Small Group Instruction Classroom Guidance

Observed 1st Grade Classroom

Siegfried Elementary School

Observed 1st grade classrooms and assisted the teacher with helping children with site words and spelling. Played learning games focused on counting objects or shapes to support addition.

Site Words Support

Observed Pre-K & Kindergarten

Growing Tree Child Care Center

Observed Pre-K and Kindergarten aged children and supported daily activities through learning games and routines. Helped with memory games for site words, daily hygiene routines, and cleanup and respectful behavior expectations.

Site Word Memory Games Cleanup Routines Social Respect And Classroom Behavior Support