Special Education Assistant Jobs in Des Plaines, IL
A Special Education Assistant plays a crucial role in elementary education by supporting students with special needs under the direction of a Special Education Teacher. They help to handle the everyday needs of these students such as helping them with their schoolwork, personal hygiene, mobility, feeding, and behavioral issues. They also monitor student progress and assist the teacher in devising and implementing personalized educational plans. Special Education Assistants also contribute to maintaining a safe and comfortable classroom environment that promotes learning.
This role demands certain certifications and skills. At a minimum, they must possess a high school diploma but a degree or certification in special education or a related field is preferred. CPR and First Aid certifications are a plus. They should have excellent communication skills to effectively interact with students, teachers, and parents. Patience and empathy are essential as they will be tasked with managing children with varying abilities and behavioral issues. Prior experiences as a Teacher's Assistant, Childcare Worker, or Behavior Therapist can provide valuable experience before becoming a Special Education Assistant.
- Illinois Association Of School
- Mundelein, IL (16 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 10 hours ago
- Mundelein, IL (16 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 10 hours ago
Salary/Benefits Starting pay is $16.50-18.75/hour depending on experience, education and if bilingual in English and Spanish Job description attached Full Time - Benefits eligible we offer a...
In Person- Illinois Association Of School
- Mundelein, IL (16 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 10 hours ago
- Mundelein, IL (16 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 10 hours ago
Salary/Benefits Starting pay is $16.50-18.75/hour depending on experience, education and if bilingual in English and Spanish See school website for Job description School District # Position...
In PersonSpanish Bilingual Paraprofessional
- North Palos School District 117
- Palos Hills, IL (24 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 2 days ago
- Palos Hills, IL (24 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 2 days ago
Position Type: Support Staff/Paraprofessional Date Posted: 5/28/2026 Location: Sorrick School Date Available: 08/11/2026 Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Please click this LINK to review the...
In PersonSpecial Education Paraprofessional
- North Palos School District 117
- Palos Hills, IL (24 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 2 days ago
- Palos Hills, IL (24 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 2 days ago
Special Education Paraprofessional.pdf...
In PersonParaprofessional - Up to $21.25/hr
- Bloomingdale, IL (12 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 4 days ago
- Bloomingdale, IL (12 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 4 days ago
Would you like to make a difference and be appreciated for what you do? Join our school team in making everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities! We value our employees and...
In Person- Illinois Association Of School
- North Riverside, IL (15 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 5 days ago
- North Riverside, IL (15 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 5 days ago
Duties Position Purpose Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives....
In PersonSpecial Education Teaching Assistant
- Arlington Heights School District 25
- Arlington Heights, IL (6 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 5 days ago
- Arlington Heights, IL (6 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 5 days ago
classes, small group instruction, hallway transitions, lunch, recess and activities of daily living....
In PersonSpecial Education Teaching Assistant (part-time)
- Arlington Heights School District 25
- Arlington Heights, IL (6 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 5 days ago
- Arlington Heights, IL (6 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 5 days ago
classes, small group instruction, hallway transitions, lunch, recess and activities of daily living (e.g. toileting, eating, dressing, grooming)....
In Person Part TimeEarly Childhood Special Education Teaching Assistant (part-time)
- Arlington Heights School District 25
- Arlington Heights, IL (6 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 5 days ago
- Arlington Heights, IL (6 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 5 days ago
classes, small group instruction, hallway transitions, lunch, recess and activities of daily living (e.g. toileting, eating, dressing, grooming)....
In Person Part TimeMiddle School Special Education Teaching Assistant
- Arlington Heights School District 25
- Arlington Heights, IL (6 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 5 days ago
- Arlington Heights, IL (6 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 5 days ago
classes, small group instruction, hallway transitions, lunch, recess and activities of daily living For a complete list of job duties and qualifications, please see the attached description....
In PersonParaprofessional- Language Liasion
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Vernon Hills, IL (13 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 7 days ago
- Vernon Hills, IL (13 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 7 days ago
Elementary School Closing Date: 06/27/2026 District: Waukegan Community Unit District 60 Who We Are: Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 serves nearly 13,000 students in preschool...
In PersonParaprofessional- Language Liasion
- Waunkegan Community Unit District 60
- Waukegan, IL (21 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 7 days ago
- Waukegan, IL (21 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 7 days ago
Liaison Date Posted: 5/27/2026 Location: Glenwood Elementary School Closing Date: 06/27/2026 Who We Are: Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 serves nearly 13,000 students in preschool...
In PersonELC West Paraprofessional - Extended School Year 2024
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Vernon Hills, IL (13 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 8 days ago
- Vernon Hills, IL (13 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 8 days ago
The ELC is located in Vernon Hills (Lake County), Illinois and is a special education cooperative providing services to students identified with special needs, ages 3 through 22 years of age....
In PersonSummer Special Education Instructional Assistant
- New Trier Township High School District 203
- Northfield, IL (7 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 8 days ago
- Northfield, IL (7 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 8 days ago
Summer Special Education Instructional Assistant Assignment: June 8 th to July 23 rd ; 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Location : Northfield Campus Supervisor: Special Education Department Chair General Responsibilities...
In Person1.0 Test Center Paraprofessional
- Grayslake Community High School District 127
- Grayslake, IL (21 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 10 days ago
- Grayslake, IL (21 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
- 10 days ago
Position Type: Educational Support Staff Date Posted: 5/22/2026 Location: Grayslake Central High School Date Available: 2026-2027 SY Closing Date: Until filled Grayslake Central High School is...
In PersonDemographic Data for Des Plaines, IL
Moving to Des Plaines, IL? Find some basic demographic data about Des Plaines, IL below.
Special Education Assistant Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Title Synonyms
Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job title
Salary for Special Education Assistant Jobs in Des Plaines, IL
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Special Education Assistant positions.
Highest Education Level
Special Education Assistants in Des Plaines, IL offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Special Education Assistant position
- Small Group Instruction
- SMART Board
- Parent Communication
- Instructional Strategies
- Parent Conferences
- Preschool
- Differentiated Instruction
- Social Studies
- Reading Intervention
- Early Childhood Education
- Lesson Planning
- Classroom Management
- Individualized Education Program
- Montessori Method
- Project Based Learning
- English for Speakers of Other Languages
- Child Development
- Special Education
- Social and Emotional Learning
- Behavior Management
- Applied Behavior Anyalysis
- Special Needs
- Behavior Intervention
- Curriculum Development
- Tutoring
- Educating
- Reading
- First Aid
- Background Checks
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Math
- High School Diploma
- Events
- Teaching
- Employee Development
- English
- Spanish
- Filing
- Education Experience
- Collaboration
- Flexibility
- Regulations
- Scheduling
- Staff Supervision
- Problem Solving
- Bilingual
- Computer Skills
- Time Management
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Special Education Assistant Related Career Advice Articles
How to Become a Remote Teacher
Learn how to become a remote teacher with information on the qualifications, requirements, and resources you need to start your career as a remote educator.
Read article »
6 Must-Read Tips for Your Out-of-State or Nationwide Teacher Job Search
Running a nationwide teacher job search doesn’t have to be hard. Learn the keys to job hunting out of state and how to find and apply for teaching jobs.
Read article »
What’s Making or Breaking Your Elementary School Teacher Salary?
Despite working longer-than-average hours (50+ per week), 70% of teachers feel their salaries are unfairly low. The cliché, of course, is that teachers choose their careers “for the kids, not the money,” but the reality is that they need financial security no matter how much they care about their students.
Read article »