Early Childhood Special Education Assistant
About The Position
The Early Childhood Special Education Assistant supports classroom preparation and daily operations at New Hope Learning Center or another district building as determined by program leadership. The role helps foster a positive environment for children's academic, social, and emotional development; supports the classroom teacher and special education staff; and helps maintain student safety, records, data, and classroom systems. The assistant may work with individuals or small groups, provide crisis support and individualized interventions as directed, and collaborate with classroom staff and families while honoring cultural diversity. The position is seven hours per day, consisting of 6.5 paid work hours and a 30-minute unpaid lunch. Pay is $24.75 per hour, based on Class 3C of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement for Education Assistants. The position is available January 4, 2027, and the posting is open until filled.
Requirements
- At least two years of college credits (60 credits in Minnesota), an associate degree or higher, or a passing score on the ParaPro or Paraeducator Assessment.
- Positive attitude, openness to new ideas, and a growth mindset.
- Cultural, gender, and disability awareness.
- Physical stamina to complete tasks and work with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, including the ability to lift up to 30 pounds; lift and carry young children; get up and down from the floor; and move quickly across a room to respond to children's needs.
- Patient, calm, and understanding manner when working with students.
- Sensitivity to confidentiality.
- Ability to attend work regularly, work as part of a team, and report to work in a timely manner.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with students who have cognitive disabilities, physical disabilities, and behavior problems.
- Bilingual ability.
Responsibilities
- Assist with daily classroom preparation, including planning, set-up, and clean-up of children's learning environment.
- Foster a positive environment that supports students' academic, social, and emotional development.
- Build and maintain positive relationships and interact with all children in the classroom.
- Support the classroom teacher and special education staff with accurate records, data collection, and classroom systems.
- Promote children's health and safety by following program expectations and standards.
- Assist the teacher with guidance and supervision of children according to program expectations.
- Work as a team member with classroom staff.
- Honor families with regard to culture and diversity.
- Attend required staff development and staff meetings.
- Work with individuals or small groups when assigned by the classroom teacher or special education staff.
- Provide support for students in crisis and individualized interventions based on student needs, as directed by the general education teacher or special education staff.
- Participate in classroom discussions, communicate respectfully, and remain open to feedback and learning opportunities.
- Lift, carry, and physically manage as necessary.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the teacher or administration.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
