Special Education Classroom Aide - Chicago

Merlin Day Academy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

PTO and Holidays

401(k) with Employer Contributions

CEU Reimbursement

Employee Referral Program

Job summary

Merlin Day Academy in Chicago, IL is seeking a Special Education Classroom Aide to join our multidisciplinary team. You will support children ages 6-14 with ASD, ADHD, and related needs through play-based, child-centered activities in a therapeutic day school setting.

This role emphasizes collaboration with occupational, physical, and speech therapists, promoting cognitive, social, emotional, and developmental growth while maintaining a positive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree OR completion of at least 60 semester hours.
• 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.
• 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.

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree OR completion of at least 60 semester hours

ISBE Paraprofessional License

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

  Please see our full Special Education Classroom Aide job description attached to this posting, along with details of our competitive benefits package.