Early Learning Special Education Aide (7.5 hours/181 days) (2026-2027)

Aiken County Public Schools•Graniteville, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Learning Special Education Aide supports students with disabilities within early learning classroom environments by assisting in the implementation of individualized education programs and embedded instructional supports. This position provides instructional, behavioral, communication, and self-help support using developmentally appropriate practices and applied behavior strategies. Services are delivered within inclusive classroom settings and across the school environment to promote independence, engagement, and skill acquisition.

Requirements

High School Diploma required.
Must meet Highly Qualified standards as defined by federal and state guidelines, including one of the following: Associate’s Degree, 60 hours of college credit from an accredited institution, or Passing score on the ParaPro Assessment.
Ability to read and interpret instructional documents, safety rules, and procedure manuals.
Ability to document student progress and communicate effectively with staff.
Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts and interpret student performance data.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, implement structured programs with fidelity, and solve practical classroom problems.
Ability to work collaboratively within inclusive classroom environments.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Ability to self-monitor and manage multiple tasks.
Ability to use classroom technology and educational software.
Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, lift, reach, and assist students with mobility.
Must be able to lift or assist with lifting up to 50 pounds.
Duties may include positioning students, transferring students, pushing wheelchairs, and assisting with adaptive equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with young children and students with disabilities preferred.
Experience with applied behavior strategies preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the teacher in implementing instructional programs aligned to IEP goals and early learning standards.
Provides individual and small group instruction under the supervision of a certified teacher to reinforce academic readiness, communication, social interaction, and adaptive skills within embedded classroom instruction.
Maintains structured, visually supported learning environments and implements prescribed instructional and behavior programs with fidelity, including effective reinforcement and pacing strategies, accurate daily data collection, use of prompting and errorless teaching techniques, and structured supports to ensure smooth transitions.
Implement applied behavior strategies, communication, and reinforcement techniques consistently.
Collect and document data on student performance and behavior as directed.
Support classroom organization, learning centers, and use of curriculum materials.
Support smooth transitions and engagement throughout the instructional day.
Support inclusion within general education and related arts settings.
Escort students to and from designated areas of the school.
Assist in preparation of instructional materials, visual supports, and structured learning activities.
Operate standard school equipment including copier, laminator, and audiovisual equipment.
Maintain sanitation of classroom materials, adaptive equipment, and personal care areas.
Feeding children: preparing food, blending, monitoring special diet restrictions, tube feeding (cleaning and caring for tubing and equipment).
Diapering: lifting, cleaning, applying ointment as needed, and disposing of soiled diapers by bagging appropriately. Clean changing surface.
Watching: observe for seizure activity, breathing problems, safety, collect data
Positioning: change positions a minimum of 3x daily, (double lifts only to prevent staff injury) proper use of equipment such as side lyers, standers and swings.
Inclusion: take to activities such as art and assist with activity and manage behavior.
Medication: be aware of needed medication, which may involve minor procedure (will be trained).
Mobility: assist with mobility.
Loading and unloading buses: putting wheelchairs on the lifts and removing them safely. Help in evacuating multiple wheelchairs as needed (i.e. Fire drills).
Laundry: keeping bibs, wash clothes, etc. washed and dried daily.
Sanitize class equipment and toys.
Dishes: washed and sterilize individual adapted cups, etc.
Monitor students during and in the absence of the classroom teacher to ensure the physical and environmental safekeeping of them and to ensure the conduct and discipline are in control.
Provide instruction to the students as advised by the teacher.
Assist teacher in checking and evaluating student’s work; teach students individually and in small groups reinforcing skills based upon instructional guidelines.
Monitor duties such as hallways, lunchroom, restrooms and bus duty; ensure appropriate student conduct during these periods; escort students to designated activity areas such as music room, computer room, art class, assemblies, etc.
Maintain accurate documentation and data collection as required.
Participate in professional development and in-service training as assigned.
Maintain confidentiality and professional ethical standards.
Perform other duties as assigned by administration.