Early Elementary Classroom Aide

Early Elementary Classroom Aide

Location: San Rafael, CA

Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Pay Range: $28–$32 per hour, depending on experience

Department: Early Elementary

Reports to: Lead Teacher / Director of Academics

The Early Elementary Classroom Aide plays a critical role in supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, and behavioral growth. Working closely with the lead teacher and interdisciplinary team, the aide helps implement individualized education plans (IEPs), provides direct student support, and contributes to a calm, organized, and responsive classroom environment.

This role is ideal for someone who is patient, observant, flexible, and interested in growing their skills in special education, autism support, or a related helping profession.

Student Support

• Provide direct, hands-on support to students during academic, social, and daily routines
• Support implementation of IEP goals under the direction of the lead teacher and therapists
• Assist with behavior regulation using school-approved strategies and guidance
• Build positive, respectful relationships with students while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries

Classroom & Instructional Support

• Assist the lead teacher in preparing materials, visuals, and learning activities
• Support small-group and 1:1 instruction as directed
• Help maintain an organized, predictable, and nurturing classroom environment
• Step in flexibly to support students during transitions or moments of dysregulation

Collaboration & Communication

• Work collaboratively with teachers, counselors, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and behavior specialists
• Follow established plans and communicate observations clearly and professionally
• Participate in team meetings and trainings as required
• Seek clarification and guidance when unsure, while making thoughtful attempts to problem-solve

Data & Documentation

• Collect data as directed by teachers or therapists
• Support accurate and timely documentation related to student support

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent AND one of the following:
  • Completion of two years of college (48 semester units),
    or
  • An Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree or higher,
    or
  • Passing a local assessment of knowledge and skills in assisting in instruction
• At least 2 years of experience working with autistic children (behavioral experience strongly preferred)
• Ability to work calmly and effectively in a dynamic classroom environment
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Comfort with hands-on, student-centered, and flexible teaching approaches

Preferred

• Experience working in a special education setting
• Coursework or professional interest in education, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, behavior analysis, counseling, or psychology

• Someone who is kind, reliable, and emotionally steady
• Able to take direction, ask questions, and grow with feedback
• Comfortable working as part of a team and supporting shared goals
• Interested in developing confidence, initiative, and professional communication over time

• Competitive pay: $28–$32/hour
• Full-time schedule with predictable hours
• 5 weeks of paid school breaks plus all national holidays
• Medical and dental insurance available (school covers 75% for eligible employees)
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for learning and growth