Special Education Instructional Assistant

About the role

Job Title: Special Education Instructional Assistant  Department: Special Education Reports To: Principal / Lead Special Education Teacher Classification: Part-Time Salary Range: $19.39   Position Overview We are looking for a compassionate, patient, and dedicated Special Education Instructional Assistant to join our team. In this role, you will work side-by-side with our Lead Special Education Teachers to provide academic, behavioral, and emotional support to students with diverse learning needs.   Your day-to-day will involve implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), modifying assignments, and fostering an inclusive, safe classroom culture. If you love celebrating small victories that make a massive difference in a child's life, this is the place for you.   Key Responsibilities Instructional Support: Reinforce lessons presented by the lead teacher by working with students individually or in small groups to master academic concepts. IEP Implementation: Help track, monitor, and document student progress toward specific learning and behavioral goals outlined in their IEPs. Behavioral Support: Implement positive behavior intervention strategies to help students manage frustrations, stay on task, and navigate social interactions safely. Accommodations & Modifications: Adapt classroom materials (e.g., scaling reading levels, organizing visual schedules) under the direction of the special education teacher. Daily Living Assistance: Provide physical or personal care assistance as required by specific student needs (may include mobility assistance, feeding, or toileting support depending on assignment). Collaboration: Maintain open, professional communication with teachers, therapists, and administrators regarding student progress and well-being.   Qualifications & Skills Required: Education: High School Diploma or equivalent  AND one of the following: Associate degree or higher,  OR 48 college semester credits,  OR Passing score on the ParaPro Assessment (or state-equivalent exam). Clearances: Ability to pass a comprehensive criminal background check, fingerprinting, and child abuse clearances. Attributes: Exceptional patience, emotional resilience, and a deep sense of empathy for children with varying abilities. Preferred (Nice-to-Have): Previous experience working with children with special needs (Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, etc.) in a school, camp, or daycare setting. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or de-escalation training. First Aid/CPR certification. Bilingual skills.