Early Childhood SPED Instructional Care Aide

saint louis, MO
Temporary to Full Time
Entry Level

💰 $21.60/hour | 📍 St. Louis City, MO
Make a Daily Difference in a Student’s Life.

If you’re someone who believes every child deserves patience, encouragement, and someone in their corner, this role puts you right where you’re needed most. As a SPED Instructional Care Aide, you become part of a mission that matters—helping students with special needs grow, learn, and shine in an environment built on compassion and support.

This isn’t just another job. It’s meaningful, hands‑on work where your presence, your voice, and your care directly shape a student’s day. You’ll be the steady guide who helps them navigate challenges, celebrate victories, and feel safe and supported every step of the way.

🌟 What You’ll Do (And Why It Matters)

Every day brings new opportunities to make a real impact. You’ll work closely with teachers, therapists, and school staff to create a learning environment where students feel understood, valued, and capable.

Your responsibilities include:

🚌 Student Guidance & Daily Support

  • Assist students during transitions, recess, meals, specialized classes, and community outings
  • Help students navigate their day with confidence and consistency

📋 Behavior Support & Encouragement

  • Implement behavior plans with care and clarity
  • Reinforce positive strategies and track progress
  • Help students build emotional and social skills

🧠 Academic Assistance

  • Support small‑group learning, reading activities, and classroom engagement
  • Assist with testing and individualized instruction
  • Encourage participation and celebrate growth

🧼 Health, Hygiene & Specialized Care

  • Provide essential care such as feeding, toileting, lifting, and mobility support
  • Assist with specialized medical needs as trained
  • Maintain a safe, respectful, and dignified environment for every student

🧰 Classroom Organization & Readiness

  • Keep materials organized and accessible
  • Prepare learning spaces for daily activities
  • Help maintain a structured, welcoming classroom

🗣️ Team Collaboration

  • Communicate student needs clearly and professionally
  • Support substitute teachers and classroom staff
  • Participate in conferences, meetings, and team discussions

📚 Ongoing Professional Growth

  • Attend workshops and specialized training
  • Learn strategies that support IEP goals
  • Build skills that strengthen your impact and career path

💡 What You Bring

You don’t need to be perfect—you just need heart, reliability, and a willingness to learn. Students feel your presence, and your consistency helps them thrive.

Required:

  • Experience working with children
  • Basic computer skills

Preferred:

  • Experience in educational settings
  • Tutoring or small‑group instruction experience with young children

If you’re patient, compassionate, and ready to support students who need you, you’ll excel here.

🎓 Education Requirements

You’ll qualify if you meet one of the following:

  • 60+ college credit hours
  • Associate’s degree or higher
  • Passing score on the Missouri ParaPro or Paraprofessional Assessment
  • Completion of Missouri’s online Substitute Training Program
  • Valid Missouri Substitute Teaching Certificate

💪 Physical Requirements

This role includes light physical activity and mobility:

  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle
  • Lift up to 10 lbs occasionally
  • Walk or stand for extended periods

🌈 Why This Role Matters

Students with special needs deserve adults who believe in them—people who show up, stay patient, and help them discover what they’re capable of. In this role, you become that person. You become part of their victories, their breakthroughs, and their everyday moments of growth.

If you’re ready to step into a role where your compassion becomes your superpower, this is your chance.

Apply today and help create a brighter, more supportive future for the students who need it most.

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