Educational Assistant - Special Education

Application deadline for in-district bargaining unit members: August 21, 2026. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit member, outside applicants will be considered thereafter until filled. Projected start date: approximately September 2, 2026.

About the Role

The Educational Assistant – Special Education provides educational supports through instruction and supervision of students with disabilities under the direct supervision of a special education teacher, specialist, and/or classroom teacher. This role involves completing routine clerical tasks, assisting students with special health care needs, and supporting students who may have academic, emotional, cognitive, physical, and/or sensory challenges.

Schedule

• 6.5 hours per day
• 187 days per year

Pay

Salary Range 13: $25.09 to $34.38 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Work under the guidance of a Special Education Teacher, Specialist, and/or classroom teacher to assist in implementing lesson plans and developing students' daily living and behavioral skills (e.g., hygiene, grooming, anger management, social skills) in both special and general education settings.
• Provide instructional support to students in large groups, small groups, and one-on-one situations.
• Adapt classroom work/homework under teacher direction to support individual and classroom learning objectives.
• Administer first aid, medical assistance, and delegated health services (e.g., tube feeding, catheterization, toileting) to provide appropriate care for medically fragile or injured children.
• Maintain specialized equipment and student files/records, including database entries for student collections and Medicaid billing.
• Monitor individual students, classroom, and playground activities to ensure a safe and positive learning environment.
• Perform record-keeping and clerical functions (e.g., scheduling, copying) to support teachers and maintain student files.
• Attend training and utilize district-approved de-escalation and physical intervention techniques as needed.
• Develop materials for student IEP implementation and use progress monitoring tools under teacher guidance.
• Evaluate situations and take appropriate action or direct them to the proper personnel for resolution.
• Assist with student transportation needs, including supervision during bus loading/unloading and accompanying students on buses if required.
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and professional development opportunities for continued growth.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by teachers, specialists, or administrators to ensure student well-being.

Requirements

• Prior experience (paid or volunteer) working with school-age children.
• Completed associate’s degree or higher, or at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (72 college quarter hours or more), or demonstrated knowledge of and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics through a formal assessment.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance, First Aid/CPR certification, and Bloodborne Pathogen training.

Skills

• Knowledge of child development principles and instructional practices.
• Ability to perform basic clerical functions and arithmetic calculations.
• Proficiency in using computer programs (e.g., email, word processing, system applications).
• Effective communication in English, both verbally and in writing (e.g., correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation).
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and policies.
• Understanding and carrying out verbal and written instructions.
• Providing for the special health care needs of students.
• Understanding and addressing the needs of students with disabilities.
• Ability to rapidly learn methods and materials used in instructional situations.
• Self-starter who works well independently or in a team.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and complete assignments with minimal supervision.
• Handling multiple projects and tasks to meet deadlines.
• Interacting effectively with diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in district schools, including specialized and general education classrooms, as well as other areas within the school environment.
• Involves continuous strenuous efforts, such as lifting students up to 50 lbs. without additional support.
• May involve exposure to students requiring personal hygiene, medical care, and/or physical interventions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for prolonged periods.
• Ability to talk and hear conversations in potentially noisy environments.
• Precise control of finger and hand movements, including repetitive motions like keyboarding.
• Ability to reach for and handle objects.
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Regular focus on a computer screen.
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, and lifting/moving up to 40 pounds.

Workplace Expectations

• Maintain regular and punctual attendance, following site/district protocols for reporting absences.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student, staff, and parent information.
• Dress professionally and appropriately for the assignment and work setting.
• Exercise prudent judgment and work independently in performing routine duties.
• Follow all District policies and work procedures.
• Utilize District electronic systems and applications only as related to the position.
• Participate in required meetings and trainings.
• If bilingual, may be requested to interpret, translate documents, or communicate orally in a second language.
• Cultivate and model a respectful working and learning environment.