Special Education Assistant Jobs in Illinois
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.
plans developed by the certified staff member clarifies directions and procedures uses spoken/written/sign language and vocabulary that are clear and age-appropriate asks questions of a high quality...
plans and educational activities Monitor student progress and communicate observations to teachers Help maintain a positive and inclusive classroom environment Assist with administrative tasks and...
Position Type: Support Staff/ Special Education Assistant Date Posted: 8/15/2025 Location: Peotone Junior High School Date Available: ASAP Closing Date: 09/22/2025 District: Peotone CUSD 207-U...
Special Education Paraprofessional - Level I - Catalyst
- Plainfield, IL
- 2 days ago
- Plainfield, IL
- 2 days ago
Position Type: Support Staff/ SE Paraprofessional Date Posted: 8/14/2025 Location: Plainfield High School-Central Campus Date Available: ASAP Closing Date: Open until filled Salary: No...
Special Education Instructional Aide for the 2025-2026 school year This position requires a valid Illinois paraprofessional license. WEA Contract - see page 22 for salary information...
Position Type: Support Staff/ Assistant/ Special Education Assistant Date Posted: 8/14/2025 Location: 2 - Jr....
Duties EFFINGHAM COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #40 EFFINGHAM, ILLINOIS POSTING OF VACANCY PARAPROFESSIONAL For the 2025-26 School Year Deadline to apply: August 18, 2025 Must have one of the...
Prior experience working with children, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting....
2025-2026 Paraprofessional at Pioneer Grove Educational Center
- Frankfort, IL
- 3 days ago
- Frankfort, IL
- 3 days ago
Duties Full Time (10 month position) - Assist special education teacher with students. Ability to communicate with teachers, related service staff, and administration....
Duties Full Time (10 month position) - Assist special education teacher with students. Ability to communicate with teachers, related service staff, and administration....
- Ottawa, IL
- 4 days ago
- Ottawa, IL
- 4 days ago
Ottawa Township High School is seeking candidates for the following open positions: Coordinator of Public Relations (Full Time) Paraprofessional / Translator (Full Time) Drama Director Stage Work...
development Ability to multi-task Excellent communications skills Please refer to the attached job description Qualifications: One of the following State of Illinois Licenses registered in Will County...
Openings as of 8/11/2025 .5 Secretary /.5 Paraprofessional JobID: 15623 Position Type: Secretarial/Clerical/Secretary Date Posted: 8/8/2025 Location: Sandwich School District 430 District:...
Join Our Mission to Transform Lives! 'Empowering Students, Enriching Futures!' Are you a dedicated Paraprofessional ready to make a significant impact The Stepping Stones Group is excited to...
Duties Irvington Grade School is seeking a dedicated and reliable Paraprofessional to support our students and staff. This position plays a key role in providing academic, behavioral, and social...
Demographic Data for Illinois
Moving to Illinois? Find some basic demographic data about Illinois 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 Illinois
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Special Education Assistant positions.
Highest Education Level
Special Education Assistants in Illinois 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
- Instructional Strategies
- Parent Conferences
- Preschool
- Parent Communication
- Montessori Method
- Lesson Planning
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Social Studies
- Classroom Management
- Reading Intervention
- Individualized Education Program
- English for Speakers of Other Languages
- Response to Intervention
- Child Development
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Alternative Education
- Social and Emotional Learning
- Special Education
- Behavior Management
- Applied Behavior Anyalysis
- Behavior Intervention
- Special Needs
- Curriculum Development
- Tutoring
- Educating
- First Aid
- Reading
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Background Checks
- Teaching
- Math
- High School Diploma
- Events
- Employee Development
- Education Experience
- Collaboration
- Flexibility
- Filing
- English
- Regulations
- Problem Solving
- Bilingual
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Staff Supervision
- Organization
- Scheduling
- Computer Skills
- 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 »