Special Education Teacher Assistant in San Jose, California at The Creekside School

The Creekside School is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Through person-centered support, meaningful relationships, and evidence-based practices, we empower every individual to reach their fullest potential while fostering independence, dignity, and community inclusion.

Our school provides individualized educational and therapeutic services designed to help students build communication, academic, social, behavioral, and life skills in a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Every day, our team works together to create meaningful educational experiences where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

No two days are the same. One day you might be celebrating a student’s breakthrough in communication, the next supporting a classroom activity, encouraging a student through a challenging moment, or celebrating a milestone they’ve worked hard to achieve. Every day brings new opportunities to make a meaningful difference while building lasting relationships.

At The Creekside School, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Our Teacher Assistants play an essential role in helping students develop academic, communication, social, behavioral, and daily living skills while creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment. Whether you’re helping a student complete a classroom activity, encouraging positive social interactions, supporting communication, or celebrating a new achievement, you’ll make a meaningful difference every day.

When you join The Creekside School, you become part of a team that values collaboration, compassion, and continuous learning.

We offer:

• Meaningful work that makes a lasting difference in students’ lives.
• A supportive team that values collaboration and respect.
• Paid training and ongoing professional development.
• Opportunities to grow your career in special education and human services.
• A person-centered environment where every student is treated with dignity and respect.
• The opportunity to help students build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills.

Our work is guided by the values that define The Creekside School:

• Relationships First – We build trusting relationships with students, families, and one another.
• Person-Centered Support – Every student’s goals, strengths, and individual needs guide our approach.
• Learning Through Experience – We create meaningful opportunities for students to learn, communicate, and grow.
• Teamwork – We work together to support every student’s success.
• Continuous Growth – We believe in learning, improving, and helping every student reach their fullest potential.

Do you enjoy helping students build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve meaningful milestones?

The Creekside School is looking for compassionate, dependable, and energetic Teacher Assistants to support students with autism and developmental disabilities in a specialized educational setting.

As a Teacher Assistant, you’ll do more than provide classroom support—you’ll build relationships, encourage independence, reinforce learning, and help students develop the academic, communication, social, and life skills they need to succeed. Every day is different, and every day is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Our Teacher Assistants work closely with teachers, behavior specialists, therapists, and families to provide person-centered support that promotes learning, inclusion, confidence, and personal growth.

• Support teachers in implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) and classroom instruction.
• Provide one-on-one and small-group support to students with autism and developmental disabilities.
• Encourage communication, social interaction, independence, and positive behavior throughout the school day.
• Assist with academic, behavioral, recreational, vocational, and daily living activities.
• Help create a structured, safe, and positive classroom environment.
• Monitor and document student progress, behaviors, and responses to interventions.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, behavior specialists, and families to support student success.
• Prepare classroom materials and learning activities to meet individual student needs.
• Support students during community-based instruction, school activities, and transitions as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with school policies, IEPs, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, and professional development.
• Support a collaborative, positive school culture.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with children, preferably those with autism spectrum disorders or developmental disabilities.
• Basic understanding of autism and strategies that support student learning and development.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain patient, flexible, and professional in a dynamic classroom environment.
• Ability to follow directions, implement instructional strategies, and support individualized student needs.
• Commitment to building positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or certification in Special Education, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field.
• Experience implementing behavior support plans or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Experience with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) or assistive technology.

• Meaningful work that changes students’ lives every day.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Paid training and ongoing professional development.
• Opportunities for career growth within special education and human services.
• Work in a person-centered school that values dignity, inclusion, collaboration, and lifelong learning.