Special Needs Assistant Teacher

Learning Empowered; Saint Petersburg (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

11 paid holidays

Year-round positions

Job summary

Learning Empowered seeks a dedicated Special Needs Assistant Teacher to work under the classroom teacher, engaging with 3- to 5-year-old children in a supervised setting. You will assist with activities, support the learning environment, and provide nurturing, therapeutic interaction as directed.

Requirements include an AA Degree or National CDA, plus at least 3 years in relevant settings and comfort with children who have emotional/behavioral challenges.

Qualifications

• Minimum AA Degree or National CDA in early childhood education.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience with children ages 3-5.
• Experience with children with emotional/behavioral challenges preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the classroom teacher in activities and group or one-to-one sessions.
• Engage with children using nurturing, therapeutic approaches to support learning.

Skills

Fluent English

Written and verbal communication

Education

AA Degree or National CDA in early childhood education

Job description

Are you looking for a meaningful career where you can help create lifelong change for children and families? Learning Empowered is a non-profit organization devoted to helping people overcome obstacles through education.

We’re looking for caring, skilled, experienced teachers and teaching assistants who want to join a motivated team to make a positive impact in the futures of young children. Teaching opportunities for both our Centers for Early Learning and Head Start programs are available. Our education centers are located throughout St. Petersburg.

Why Join Us?

Make an impact on your local community

Excellent Health Insurance Package

403(b) Retirement Plan

11 paid holidays

Year-round positions

* If our openings do not appear below, please refresh the page. *

The Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) is a first-in-the-nation enterprise system for background screening results of individuals required by law to undergo screening for employment in positions that provide services to vulnerable populations, as mandated by House Bill 531 (2025): https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Location: 6801 38th Ave N

St Petersburg, FL

Job Id:301

# of Openings:1

TRIANGLES is a Specialized Classroom Early Childhood program run by Learning Empowered that serves children ages 3- 5 years old who have a range of social-emotional or behavioral concerns or delays. The program serves children short-term while they are waiting for evaluation and permanent placement in the local school district or private care. While in the program, children are provided with a safe and structured early learning environment. Our Specialized Classrooms have caring and trained teams that include teachers, assistant teachers, behavior specialists, therapists and other resources.

For more information about the Triangles Program, go to:

https://www.learning-empowered.org/triangles

Small ratios of 10 children to 2 assigned classroom staff, with additional staffing supports.

SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT TEACHER

• The Special Needs Assistant Teacher will work under the direction of the assigned classroom teacher
• The Special Needs Assistant Teacher supports the teacher in the classroom with activities and engages with the children as a group, or one-to-one as directed to support the learning environment with a nurturing, therapeutic approach.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of AA Degree or National CDA in early childhood education
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working in a program with children ages 3-5
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with children with emotional and behavioral challenges, with or without diagnoses.
• Preferred training or experience in Trauma Informed Care, Conscious Discipline, Positive Behavior Support or similar.
• DCF 45 clock hours (or willing to complete within 90 days of hire, including exams)
• Pediatric First Aid/CPR (active certification or willing to complete within 90 days of hire)

REQUIREMENTS:

• Clean Level 2 Fingerprint Background Screening (when conducted by Learning Empowered prior to hire date and maintained throughout employment)
• Must be willing to work with children with social-emotional-behavior delays that may include toileting assistance, aggression, or challenging behaviors.
• Demonstration of good judgment, initiative, reliability, and trustworthiness
• Able to work flexible hours to meet the needs of our clients
• Physical ability to extend arms overhead, grasp with hands, stand, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, walk, sit on floor
• Must be able to lift children in times of emergency or to meet immediate needs: up to 45 pounds
• Fluent in English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Adherence to a code of conduct that includes professionalism, respect and kindness in word and deed to participants, staff, and community partners.

Hours: Full-time, 40 hrs per week, year-round program

FLSA: Full-time/Hourly, Non Exempt

All Learning Empowered employees are hired At-Will. No contract is implied or intended. Learning Empowered is an Equal Opportunity Employer