Special Education Teacher Assistant

The Creekside School; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Ongoing professional development

Collaborative team culture

Job summary

The Creekside School seeks a dedicated Special Education Teacher Assistant in San Jose, CA to support students with autism and developmental disabilities. You will work with teachers, therapists, and families to guide learning, communication, and daily living skills in a supportive classroom.

Responsibilities include implementing IEPs, providing small-group support, and monitoring progress while maintaining confidentiality and a positive school environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience with children, especially with autism or developmental disabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills essential.
• Patience and flexibility in a dynamic classroom setting.
• Commitment to building positive relationships with students and families.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers with IEPs and classroom instruction.
• Provide one-on-one and small-group support to students with autism.
• Encourage communication, social interaction, independence and daily living skills.
• Assist with academic, behavioral, recreational and vocational activities.
• Maintain a structured, safe classroom and document student progress.
• Collaborate with the team and families to support student success.
• Prepare classroom materials tailored to individual needs.

Skills

Communication

Patience

Teamwork

Flexibility

Empathy

Education

High school diploma

Tools

AAC

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Special Education Teacher Assistant

FullTime Manual Labor San Jose, CA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1097

Salary Range: $25.00 To $28.50 Annually

Help Students Build Confidence, Independence, and Everyday Skills

Progress takes many forms—a student joining a classroom activity, trying a new skill, or communicating a need. At The Creekside School, our Teacher Assistants help create the support and encouragement that make these moments possible.

We’re looking for compassionate, dependable, and energetic Teacher Assistants to support students with autism and other developmental disabilities. You’ll work alongside teachers, behavior specialists, therapists, and families to help students learn, participate, and grow in a specialized educational setting.

If you bring patience, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to helping students succeed, we’d love to hear from you.

About The Creekside School

The Creekside School is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Through person-centered support, meaningful relationships, and evidence‑based practices, we help individuals build independence, experience community inclusion, and pursue their fullest potential with dignity.

Our school provides individualized educational and therapeutic services that support communication, academic, social, behavioral, and life skills. Together, we create a learning environment where students feel valued, respected, and supported.

As a Teacher Assistant, you’ll help students engage in classroom learning and build skills they can use throughout their lives. Your day may include supporting a small‑group activity, helping a student navigate a transition, encouraging communication, or practicing daily living skills.

You’ll provide consistent support, build trusting relationships, and help students work toward their individual goals. Working closely with the multidisciplinary team, you’ll contribute to a safe, structured, and welcoming environment that encourages participation and independence.

What You’ll Do

Support teachers in implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) and classroom instruction.

Provide one‑on‑one and small‑group support to students with autism and developmental disabilities.

Encourage communication, social interaction, independence, and positive behaviour throughout the school day.

Assist with academic, behavioural, recreational, vocational, and daily living activities.

Help maintain a structured, safe, and positive classroom environment.

Monitor and document student progress, behaviours, and responses to interventions.

Collaborate with teachers, therapists, behaviour specialists, and families to support student success.

Prepare classroom materials and learning activities that meet individual student needs.

Support students during community‑based instruction, school activities, and transitions as appropriate.

Maintain confidentiality and follow school policies, IEPs, and applicable state and federal regulations.

Participate in required training, staff meetings, and professional development.

Contribute to a positive, collaborative school culture.

Perform other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience working with children, preferably those with autism spectrum disorders or developmental disabilities.

Basic understanding of autism and strategies that support student learning and development.

Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.

Patience, flexibility, and professionalism in a dynamic classroom environment.

Ability to follow directions, implement instructional strategies, and support individualized student needs.

Commitment to building positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications

Coursework or certification in Special Education, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field.

Experience implementing behaviour support plans or Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) strategies.

CPR and First Aid certification.

Experience with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) or assistive technology.

A Team That Supports Your Growth

At Creekside, you’ll join colleagues who share ideas, support one another, and celebrate student progress. We offer:

Meaningful work that helps students build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills.

A supportive team that values collaboration and respect.

Paid training and ongoing professional development.

Opportunities to grow your career in special education and human services.

A person‑centered environment grounded in dignity and inclusion.

Our Values in Practice

Relationships First: We build trust with students, families, and colleagues.

Person‑Centered Support: Each student’s strengths, goals, and individual needs guide our approach.

Learning Through Experience: We create everyday opportunities for students to learn, communicate, and grow.

Teamwork: We work together to support each student’s success.

Continuous Growth: We keep learning and improving to better support our students and one another.

Join The Creekside School

Bring your energy, compassion, and willingness to learn to a role where your everyday efforts matter.