Carpe Diem Academy is a private school dedicated to providing individualized education and therapeutic support for children with special needs. We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and energetic Special Education Teacher Assistant to join our team for the 2026-2027 school year.
The ideal candidate is patient, hands-on, and enjoys working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and behavior staff to support students with a wide range of exceptionalities. This is an active role that requires assisting students academically, behaviorally, and with personal care needs in a respectful and dignified manner.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide one-on-one and small-group academic support under the direction of the classroom teacher.
- Assist in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior intervention plans, and classroom instruction.
- Adapt classroom materials and activities to meet individual student needs.
- Support students using positive behavior management strategies and de-escalation techniques when appropriate.
- Assist students during classroom transitions, lunch, recess, therapy sessions, and community-based activities.
- Provide direct personal care, including toileting, diaper changes, changing soiled clothing, handwashing, and hygiene assistance while maintaining each student's dignity, privacy, and safety.
- Assist students with feeding and other activities of daily living as needed.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
- Collect and document student data as directed by the teacher or clinical team.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with teachers, therapists, administrators, and fellow staff members.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support student success and school operations.
Physical Requirements
This position is physically active and requires the ability to:
- Lift, transfer, or assist students weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Bend, kneel, squat, stoop, and sit on the floor for extended periods.
- Stand and walk for much of the workday.
- Assist with student mobility and positioning as needed.
- Respond quickly during behavioral or emergency situations while maintaining student safety.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required (Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Education, Special Education, Psychology, or a related field preferred).
- Experience working with children with special needs is required.
- Comfortable providing personal care, including toileting, diapering, hygiene assistance, and changing students when necessary.
- Ability to maintain professionalism, compassion, and confidentiality.
- Strong communication skills in English (Spanish bilingual preferred).
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Successful completion of a Level 2 Fingerprint Background Check.
- CPR/First Aid certification is a plus (or willingness to obtain).
Benefits
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- 50% employer-paid health insurance
- Discounted dental and vision insurance
- Performance and incentive bonuses
- Professional development and ongoing training
- Supportive, collaborative work environment
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and their families
At Carpe Diem Academy, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. If you are compassionate, dependable, and passionate about working with children with special needs, we encourage you to apply and become part of our dedicated team.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
