Preschool Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistants; SY

Preschool Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistants (SY ) Job Description

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic and skilled Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistant to join our team for the  school year. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, we seek candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• Provide 1:1 or small group specialized instruction for students with significant special needs using applied behavior analysis strategies, which may take place in an inclusion setting
• Implement student‑specific behavior intervention plans including positive reinforcement, visual supports, cuing, de‑escalation strategies, and/or providing motor breaks
• Prevent, minimize, and manage behavioral challenges following district protocols
• Support students’ integration within a classroom setting through academic, social, and behavioral interventions
• Implement augmentative communication and assistive technology instruction and support for students who are non‑speaking or have limited communication skills
• Provide life‑skill instruction including toileting, self‑care, and travel training as appropriate
• Provide pre‑vocational training and job coaching for students in school and in the wider community as appropriate
• Assist with program‑specific data collection to monitor student progress and develop necessary support plans (e.g., academics, social skills, and behavior plans)
• Support students to navigate the school day, including non‑instructional time
• Prepare instructional materials based on students’ individual learning needs and goals
• Assist with home/school communications (e.g., daily log) as assigned
• Provide regular feedback to special education team members on student progress
• Any additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Coordinator/Director, Principal, or Assistant Principal

• Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions
• Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to the developmental age of the students
• Knowledge of complex learning profiles and common behavioral challenges
• Ability to make decisions in the moment to ensure the safety of all students, including performing physical restraint when necessary
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple team members
• Ability to maintain confidential information regarding students and families
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or at least 2 years of experience in a similar role (e.g., ABA, job coaching, etc.)
• Demonstrate aptitude for the work to be performed
• Passion for working with children/students with complex disabilities
• Basic knowledge of child growth and development

This is a 0.92 FTE position with the following hours:

8:00 am – 3:30 pm, Monday–Thursday

8:00 am – 12:15 pm, Friday

Employees typically work in a school/classroom environment and may occasionally travel on field trips away from school. The noise level may range from moderate to high. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regularly required to sit (including sitting on the floor or a hard surface), stand, walk, kneel, speak, hear, operate a computer and handheld learning devices, reach with hands and arms, work indoors or outdoors, and occasionally lift or move up to 10 pounds. Must be willing to be Safety Care trained and may assist in the restraint of students to ensure safety.

Please review the Unit C Contract and this page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits.

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English‑speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.

• Daniel Cohen, Preschool Director
• Pre School
• Phone: 781‑455‑0416 ext. 55133
• Email: .ma.us