Special Education Instructional Assistant
About The Position
We are looking for a compassionate, patient, and engaging Instructional Assistant to support students in our DREAM Life Skills Program. This role is centered on helping students build the academic, social, communication, and daily living skills that foster greater independence and confidence both in school and beyond. Our DREAM Life Skills Program serves students in grades K–8 with diverse learning needs. Working under the guidance of the DREAM classroom teacher, the Instructional Assistant provides individualized and small-group support while helping create a structured, safe, and engaging learning environment where every student is encouraged to grow at their own pace. The Instructional Assistant will work closely with the DREAM teacher and collaborate with school staff and families to support each student's individualized goals. If you are patient, flexible, relationship-driven, and believe every child deserves meaningful opportunities to learn and succeed, we would love to have you join our team.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (Associate's degree or 30+ college credits a plus for Title I paraprofessional requirements)
- Experience or genuine interest in working with students with disabilities and diverse learning needs
- Patient, nurturing, and relationship-driven approach with students
- Willingness to obtain CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) or equivalent de-escalation certification
- Commitment to equity, high expectations, and serving students with high needs
- A genuine growth mindset — you welcome coaching, feedback, and continuous improvement
- Patience, consistency, and a calm, student-centered presence, even in challenging moments
- Faithful implementation of IEP accommodations and behavior support plans as directed by the DREAM teacher
- Reliability and attendance — your students and teammates count on you
- Commitment to knowing every student as an individual
- Willingness to obtain or maintain CPI/de-escalation certification
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience as a paraprofessional, instructional assistant, or in a special education setting
- Experience supporting students with IEPs, behavior plans, or daily living/self-care needs
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
Responsibilities
- Build positive, trusting relationships with students by providing consistent encouragement, guidance, and individualized support throughout the school day
- Support students in developing academic, communication, social, self-regulation, and daily living skills through one-on-one and small-group instruction
- Assist the DREAM classroom teacher in implementing lessons, accommodations, and instructional activities aligned with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Foster a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment by reinforcing classroom routines, promoting student independence, and using positive behavior support strategies
- Assist students with personal care, daily living tasks, classroom transitions, and community-based learning experiences, as needed
- Prepare instructional materials, collect student data, and maintain an organized classroom environment to support effective instruction
- Collaborate with the DREAM classroom teacher and school staff to support each student's individualized goals and contribute to a positive, inclusive school culture
- Model patience, flexibility, professionalism, and a student-centered approach in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues
Benefits
- $25.00 starting pay per hour
- 5% 401(k) match — dollar for dollar, vested at 90 days
- Health, dental & dental insurance, including a health plan option with a $0 employee premium
- 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM school day
- Tuition reimbursement — up to $2,500 per semester
- Thanksgiving week fully off
- 10 PTO days (prorated if mid-year start)
- Fall, winter, spring & summer breaks
- $1,500 perfect attendance bonus
- Robust ongoing professional development
- Paid CPI / crisis prevention certification
- Growth pathway within Special Education team
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
