Special Education Aide

Summary: A Special Education Aide provides direct support to students with disabilities under the supervision of a licensed special education teacher. Responsibilities include assisting with classroom instruction, implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), supporting students with daily tasks and personal care needs, and promoting a positive and inclusive learning environment. The aide also helps manage student behavior, facilitates communication, and ensures a safe and supportive setting that fosters student growth and independence.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties as assigned):

• Support the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) under the direction of licensed special education staff.
• Assist students individually or in small groups to reinforce learning concepts, promote independence, and support academic, behavioral, and functional goals.
• Provide physical, behavioral, and emotional support to students with diverse disabilities and needs.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, and behavior intervention plans as directed.
• Support students with personal care needs (e.g., feeding, toileting, mobility assistance, hygiene) as required by the IEP.
• Monitor student behavior and engagement, redirecting and reinforcing positive behaviors using approved strategies.
• Supervise students in various settings such as classrooms, hallways, lunchrooms, playgrounds, buses, and field trips to ensure safety and inclusion.
• Collect and record data on student progress and behaviors as directed by the special education teacher or case manager.
• Prepare and organize instructional materials and adaptive equipment as needed to support learning.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with students, staff, and families, maintaining confidentiality of student information.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and professional development related to supporting students with disabilities.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment aligned with district policies and procedures.
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations or emergencies, following established protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support student learning and well-being.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with students of varying abilities, patience, understanding of how young learners grow (primary only), a desire to be part of a team, and a willingness to be flexible.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is typically performed in a classroom setting.
• Ability to kneel, bend, stoop, and reach to assist students with mobility, self-care, and classroom activities.
• Ability to lift, carry, or assist students with limited mobility, including transferring them to and from wheelchairs, adaptive seating, or other equipment (may require lifting 25-50 lbs or more, depending on student needs).
• Assist students with personal care tasks such as feeding, toileting, and dressing, if required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.