BL: Floating Special Education Assistant, 7.0 hrs/day 2026/27 School Year *two positions available*

Young World Physical Education; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education in Traverse City, Michigan seeks a Floating Special Education Assistant for the 2026-27 school year. This role supports Special Education students in the classroom and reports to the principal or designated teacher.

Two positions available. Duties include assisting students with academics, supporting in PE, music, art, lunch, and field trips; participating in planning meetings and IEPCs; managing behavior plans and assisting with daily life skills under district

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; college credits, WorkKeys certification, or degree preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to interact courteously with students and staff.
• Experience with children preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists special education students with academics in regular, categorical, and inclusive classrooms.
• Supports students in physical education, music, art, lunch, and recess as needed.
• Participates in planning meetings, IEPCs, and instruction planning as requested.
• Provides small and large group non-direct instruction.
• Provides support with physical challenges (wheelchairs, scribe, daily life skills, communication devices).
• Assists with self‑help tasks (toileting, diapering, dressing, feeding, medication dispensing per district policy).
• Monitors behavior of students on behavior plans and others under direction of the special education teacher.
• Attends training and in‑services.
• Accompanies students on field trips.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Experience with children

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Follow directions independently

Organizational skills

Conflict resolution

Reliability and discretion

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma

College credits

WorkKeys certification

Degree preferred

Job description

Floating Special Education Assistant (2 positions)

School Year: 2026-27

Location: Blair Elementary School, Traverse City, Michigan

Work Hours: 7.0 hours per day

Job Summary

The Special Education Assistant provides assistance to Special Education students in the classroom, reporting to the principal or designated teacher.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists special education students with academics in regular, categorical, and inclusive classrooms.
• Supports students in physical education, music, art, lunch, and recess as needed.
• Participates in planning meetings, IEPCs, and instruction planning as requested.
• Provides small and large group non-direct instruction.
• Provides support with physical challenges (wheelchairs, scribe, daily life skills, communication devices).
• Assists with self‑help tasks (toileting, diapering, dressing, feeding, medication dispensing per district policy).
• Monitors behavior of students on behavior plans and others under direction of the special education teacher.
• Serves as a witness for medication administration when requested.
• Attends training and in‑services.
• Accompanies students on field trips.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• High school diploma required; college credits, WorkKeys certification, or degree preferred.
• Interpersonal skills to deal effectively and courteously with students and staff.
• Prior experience working with children.
• Ability to care for, supervise, and nurture children.
• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to follow directions and work independently.
• Ability to assist with maintaining records of student progress.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to resolve conflict.
• Dependable, reliable, and protective of sensitive/confidential information.
• Willingness to attend training.
• Ability to remain calm under stressful situations.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Must report consistently and maintain punctual attendance.
• Frequent walking, physical activity, use of hands and arms for signaling and light lifting.
• Ability to move about classroom, building, and school property, including bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, twisting, climbing, stooping, or crouching.
• Ability to listen, orally communicate to a diverse population.
• Ability to discern information and formulate appropriate actions.
• Critical thinking and provide appropriate solutions.
• Work efficiently.

Environmental Conditions

Work in indoor environments with moderate to loud noise; duties may be completed in cold and hot temperatures, including slippery or uneven surfaces. Environment includes students, school equipment, and office equipment.

Work Schedule

Available to report during the school year consistent with the district’s calendar.

Background Checks

Background check required.

Salary

Full Time, School Year – $18.01 to $22.13 per hour.