Special Education Instructional Assistant

Plainfeild School District; United States; On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

Plainfeild School District is seeking a compassionate Special Education Instructional Assistant to support a Life Skills classroom. You will work closely with Lead Special Education Teachers to implement IEPs, modify assignments, and foster an inclusive, safe learning environment for students with diverse needs.

The role emphasizes instructional and behavioral support, collaboration with the school team, and daily living assistance as required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and one of the following: Associate degree or higher, 48 college credits, or ParaPro Assessment passed.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive criminal background check, fingerprinting, and child abuse clearances.
• Patience, emotional resilience, and empathy for children with varying abilities.
• Preferred CPI or de-escalation training is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional support to reinforce lessons with students individually or in small groups.
• Assist with IEP implementation, tracking progress toward goals.
• Support positive behavior and classroom management.
• Adapt materials and accommodations under the direction of the teacher.
• Assist with daily living tasks as required by student needs.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and administrators on student progress.

Skills

IEP Implementation

Behavioral Support

Daily Living Assistance

Collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or higher

48 college credits

ParaPro Assessment passed

Job description

Special Education Instructional Assistant JobID: 1542

• Position Type: Support Staff/ Special Education Assistant
• Date Posted: 8/18/2026
• Location: PCSC Administration Building
• Date Available: ASAP

Job Title: Special Education Instructional Assistant (Life Skills Classroom)

Department: Special Education

Reports To: Principal / Lead Special Education Teacher

Classification: Part-Time

Salary Range: $19.39

Position Overview

We are looking for a compassionate, patient, and dedicated Special Education Instructional Assistant to join our team. In this role, you will work side-by-side with our Lead Special Education Teachers to provide academic, behavioral, and emotional support to students with diverse learning needs.

Your day-to-day will involve implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), modifying assignments, and fostering an inclusive, safe classroom culture. If you love celebrating small victories that make a massive difference in a child's life, this is the place for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Instructional Support: Reinforce lessons presented by the lead teacher by working with students individually or in small groups to master academic concepts.
• IEP Implementation: Help track, monitor, and document student progress toward specific learning and behavioral goals outlined in their IEPs.
• Behavioral Support: Implement positive behavior intervention strategies to help students manage frustrations, stay on task, and navigate social interactions safely.
• Accommodations & Modifications: Adapt classroom materials (e.g., scaling reading levels, organizing visual schedules) under the direction of the special education teacher.
• Daily Living Assistance: Provide physical or personal care assistance as required by specific student needs (may include mobility assistance, feeding, or toileting support depending on assignment).
• Collaboration: Maintain open, professional communication with teachers, therapists, and administrators regarding student progress and well-being.

Qualifications & Skills

Required:

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalentAND one of the following:
  • Associate degree or higher,
  • 48 college semester credits,
  • Passing score on the ParaPro Assessment (or state-equivalent exam).
• Clearances: Ability to pass a comprehensive criminal background check, fingerprinting, and child abuse clearances.
• Attributes: Exceptional patience, emotional resilience, and a deep sense of empathy for children with varying abilities.

Preferred (Nice-to-Have):

• Previous experience working with children with special needs (Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, etc.) in a school, camp, or daycare setting.
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or de-escalation training.