Preschool Special Education Instructional Assistant .FTE; SY

Preschool Special Education Instructional Assistant .8 FTE (SY 26-27)

Needham Public Schools Pre School – Needham, Massachusetts (Open in Google Maps)

• Job : 5694633
• Final date to receive applications: Sep 01, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
• Posted: Yesterday
• Starting Date: Aug 31, 2026

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic and skilled Special Education Instructional Assistant .8 FTE to join our team for the  school year. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, we seek candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, Classroom Teacher, and Special Education Coordinator/Director, the Instructional Assistant will work closely with students in the classroom to meet instructional and social-emotional goals and objectives as well as maintain appropriate student behavior. Depending on grade level and need of students, Instructional Assistants may be responsible for the following:

• Assist students with special education needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP objectives.
• Work with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic academic skills and implement assigned lessons and programs, which may include the use of augmentative technology.
• Support students using strategies such as positive reinforcement, visual supports, cuing, de‑escalation strategies, motor breaks, and data collection.
• Assist with preparation of instructional materials and the learning environment.
• Assist with classroom behavior management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and keep students on task.
• Assist students in non‑instructional areas, such as supervising lunch, recess, arrival or dismissal duty.
• Assist with student self‑care, which may include hand‑washing, toileting, mealtime, and dressing routines.
• Perform any additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Coordinator/Director, Principal, or Assistant Principal.

The duties listed above are intended as an illustration of the types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to the developmental age of the students.
• Ability to make decisions in the moment to ensure the safety of all students.
• 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.

• Pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or at least two years of experience in a similar role.
• Passion for working with children/students with disabilities.

This is a 0.8 FTE position with the following working hours:

8:00 am – 3:30 pm, Monday–Thursday

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment and may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Regularly required to sit (including sitting on the floor or other hard surface), stand, walk, kneel, talk, hear, operate a computer, handheld learning devices, and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, work indoors or outdoors, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Occasionally may need to assist students with standing, sitting, organizational functions or other related general physical tasks.

Hourly Rate: $23.94 – $27.97.

Employees may review the Unit C Contract for additional compensation and benefits information.

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. Students who are homeless or have limited English‑speaking ability also receive protection from discrimination.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply.

• Daniel Cohen, Preschool Director
• Phone: 781‑455‑0416 x55133
• Email: .ma.us