Special Education Aide

The Treehouse Child Care Center; City of Watertown (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Treehouse Child Care Center is seeking a dedicated Special Education Assistant/Aide to support students in an integrated classroom setting. You will work under General Education and Special Education teachers to assist with instruction, engagement, behavioral support, and implementation of individualized goals.

Responsibilities include assisting with progress monitoring, data collection, classroom materials, and maintaining a positive, inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with young children, especially with disabilities, preferred.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to collect and record data accurately.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and actively engage with young children throughout the day.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to students with and without disabilities throughout the school day.
• Assist children in participating in classroom routines, activities, transitions, and social interactions.
• Implement instructional strategies and accommodations as directed by classroom teachers.
• Support development of communication, social-emotional, adaptive, and academic skills.
• Assist students with self-help skills, including toileting, dressing, feeding, and personal care as needed.
• Utilize positive behavior support strategies and intervention techniques to promote student success.
• Assist with progress monitoring and benchmark assessments for both special education and general education students.
• Document observations accurately and consistently to support instructional planning and IEP progress reporting.
• Maintain records related to student growth and development.
• Support daily lesson plans and classroom activities with teachers.
• Prepare instructional materials, organize learning centers, and maintain a safe, engaging environment.
• Supervise children during activities, meals, rest periods, and transitions.
• Ensure compliance with licensing and program requirements.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, administrators, and families to support student success.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student, family, and staff information.
• Participate in professional development, training, and team meetings.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Teamwork

Data collection

Relationship building

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, or related field

Job description

At The Treehouse, we recognize that high-quality integrated preschool classrooms are built on strong teams. While certified teachers play a critical role in the success of our students, the daily support, engagement, and consistency provided by classroom assistants and aides are equally essential to creating meaningful educational experiences for children with and without disabilities.

As we continue to expand our integrated preschool and special education programming, we are committed to building a team of highly qualified, dedicated professionals who share our vision for inclusive education and excellence in service delivery. Because of the critical nature of these positions, all staff interested in working within one of our integrated special education classrooms will be required to apply for the position. This process is not intended to exclude current employees, but rather to ensure that every member of the classroom team possesses the skills, commitment, and mindset necessary to support a high-quality special education program.

The Special Education Assistant/Aide works under the supervision of the General Education Teacher and Special Education Teacher to support classroom instruction, student engagement, behavioral support, and implementation of individualized learning goals. This position plays an integral role in ensuring that all students receive the support necessary to succeed in an inclusive learning environment.

As part of the review process, if you are an assistant or aide who has been working in a SCIS classroom, we will be asking for feedback from those who you have been working with, as well as reviewing attendance/call-out history.

Essential Responsibilities

Student Support

• Provide direct support to students with and without disabilities throughout the school day.
• Assist children in participating successfully in classroom routines, activities, transitions, and social interactions.
• Implement instructional strategies and accommodations as directed by classroom teachers.
• Support the development of communication, social-emotional, adaptive, and academic skills.
• Assist students with self-help skills, including toileting, dressing, feeding, and personal care as needed.
• Utilize positive behavior support strategies and intervention techniques to promote student success.

Progress Monitoring and Data Collection

• Assist with progress monitoring and benchmark assessments for both special education and general education students.
• Collect objective data on student performance, behavior, participation, and goal progress as directed by classroom teachers and related service providers.
• Document observations accurately and consistently to support instructional planning and Individualized Education Program (IEP) progress reporting.
• Assist in maintaining records related to student growth and development.

Classroom Support

• Support both the General Education Teacher and Special Education Teacher in the implementation of daily lesson plans and classroom activities.
• Assist with preparing instructional materials, classroom organization, and learning centers.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and engaging classroom environment.
• Supervise children during classroom activities, outdoor play, meals, rest periods, and transitions.
• Support classroom management and help ensure compliance with all licensing and program requirements.

Collaboration and Professionalism

• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, administrators, and families to support student success.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all student, family, and staff information.
• Participate in professional development, training, and team meetings as required.
• Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Serve as a positive role model for students, families, and colleagues.

Desired Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with young children, particularly children with disabilities, preferred.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to collect and record data accurately.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and actively engage with young children throughout the day.
  

What We're Looking For

Successful candidates are compassionate, patient, dependable, and passionate about supporting all learners. They understand that inclusion requires intentionality, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. Most importantly, they believe that every child deserves access to a high-quality educational environment where they are valued, supported, and given opportunities to thrive.

At The Treehouse, our Special Education Assistants and Aides are not simply classroom helpers—they are essential members of the educational team whose contributions directly impact student outcomes and classroom success.