Special Education Classroom Aide - Chicago

Eyas Landing; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 57,308,000 - 60,174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with employer contributions

CEU reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Merlin Day Academy in Chicago, IL is hiring a Special Education Classroom Aide to support children ages 6-14 with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other neurodiverse needs. You will assist with therapy activities, help in group rotations, and work closely with a multidisciplinary team to promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

The role emphasizes a collaborative, play-based environment with ongoing mentorship and professional development opportunities as part of a mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree OR completion of at least 60 semester hours of college coursework.
• ISBE Paraprofessional License required.
• Experience working with children or clients with special needs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with individualized therapy activities and classroom/lesson preparation.
• Support clients during group therapy rotations.
• Collaborate daily with occupational, physical, speech-language therapists and social workers.
• Help maintain a positive, engaging, play-based learning environment.

Skills

Experience with children

Physical ability

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree / 60 college hours

Job description

Make a Meaningful Difference as a Special Education Classroom Aide! Do you love working on a collaborative team with a shared mission? Are you looking to make a positive impact in your community while growing your skills in a play-based, child-centered clinical environment? Merlin Day Academy, an ISBE-approved private therapeutic day school, is seeking a Special Education Classroom Aide to join our multidisciplinary team of top therapists.

About The Role
As a Special Education Classroom Aide, you will support children ages 6-14 years old with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and other neurodiverse needs. In this role, you'll help promote each child's cognitive, social, emotional, adaptive, and developmental growth by:

• Assisting with individualized therapy activities and classroom/lesson preparation
• Supporting clients during group therapy rotations
• Collaborating daily with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers
• Helping maintain a positive, engaging, play-based learning environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Rate: $20-21/hour
• Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision + Life & Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Competitive PTO and Holiday Allowances
• 401(k) with Employer Contributions
• Continuing Education (CEU) Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program

Schedule & Location

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 3:00 PM OR 7:45 AM-2:45 PM
• Location: 3319 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL (Free onsite parking available)

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree OR completion of at least 60 semester hours of college-level coursework
• ISBE Paraprofessional License required
• Experience working with children or clients with special needs is a plus
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs

Why Join Merlin Day Academy?

• Supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven culture
• Professional growth opportunities, including mentorship and CEU support
• The chance to make a real difference in the lives of children with neurodiverse needs

Salary: $20.00 - $21.00 per hour