Special Education Instructional Assistant- Broadmeadow Elementary SY26-27

Young World Physical Education; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 32,979 - 38,531; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education in Needham, Massachusetts is looking for a full-time Special Education Instructional Assistant. This role involves providing tailored instruction for students with significant special needs and supporting their integration within classrooms.

The ideal candidate will have a background in special education and passion for working with children with disabilities. Candidates will implement behavior intervention plans and communicate effectively with team members.

The position offers an hourly rate of $23.94 - $27.97 based on experience.

Qualifications

• Pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree or at least 2 years experience in a similar role.
• Demonstrate aptitude for work to be performed.
• Passion for working with children/students with complex disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 or small group specialized instruction for students with significant needs.
• Implement student specific behavior intervention plans.
• Support students’ integration within a classroom setting.

Skills

Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions

Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to developmental age

Ability to make decisions in challenging situations

Effective written and verbal communication skills

Education

Pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or 2 years experience

Job description

Special Education Instructional Assistant- Broadmeadow Elementary SY26-27

Job Details

• Job ID: 5772631
• Application Deadline: Sep 01, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
• Posted: Jun 10, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)
• Starting Date: Aug 29, 2026

Job Description

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic and skilled Intensive Special Education Teaching Assistant to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 or small group specialized instruction for students with significant special needs utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis which may take place in an inclusion setting
• Implement student specific behavior intervention plans including positive reinforcement, visual supports, cuing, de‑escalation strategies, and/or providing motor breaks
• Prevent, minimize, and manage behavioral challenges following district protocols
• Support students’ integration within a classroom setting through academic, social, and behavioral interventions
• Implement augmentative communication and assistive technology instruction and support for students who are non‑speaking or have limited communication skills
• Provide pre‑vocational training and job coaching for students in school and the larger community as appropriate
• Assist with program specific data collection to monitor student progress and develop necessary support plans (e.g., academics, social skills, and behavior plans)
• Support students to navigate the school day including non‑instructional time
• Prepare instructional materials for students based on their individual learning needs and goals
• Assist with home/school communications (e.g., daily log) as assigned
• Provide regular feedback to the special education team members on student progress
• Any additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Coordinator/Director, Principal or Assistant Principal

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions
• Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to the developmental age of the students
• Knowledge of complex learning profiles and common behavioral challenges
• Ability to make decisions in the moment to ensure the safety of all students, including performing physical restraint when necessary
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple team members
• Ability to maintain confidential information regarding students and families
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications

• Pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or at least 2 years experience in a similar role (e.g., ABA, job coaching, etc.)
• Demonstrate aptitude for work to be performed
• Passion for working with children/students with complex disabilities
• Basic knowledge of child growth and development

Job Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. Duties may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment may range from moderate to high.

Physical Requirements

Regularly required to sit (including sitting on the floor or other hard surface), stand, walk, kneel, talk, hear, operate a computer, handheld learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, work indoors or outdoors, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Will assist students with standing, sitting, organizational functions as well as life skill instruction including toileting, self‑care, and travel training as appropriate. Must be Safety Care trained and may perform and/or assist in the restraint of students to ensure safety.

Compensation and Benefits

Please review the Unit C Contract and this page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits. Hourly Rate: $23.94 - $27.97 (Sy26 rate)

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English‑speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Position Type: Full‑Time