Special Education Classroom Aide

Early Intervention Assistant

Job description

Make a Difference in Early Childhood Development

Center for Developing Minds (CDM), a developmental and behavioral pediatric clinic in Los Gatos, is offering an opportunity to gain direct clinical and classroom-based experience with young children in a play-based setting.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume via Indeed. Cover letter is encouraged.

Hours:
Part-Time | Los Gatos, CA

Morning availability required Monday through Friday. Additional afternoon availability preferred.

Start Date: Early August 2026.

What You’ll Do

You’ll work alongside a Child Development Specialist to support children (primarily ages 2–5) with developmental and behavioral delays and disabilities. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with early intervention and therapeutic group activities
• Reviewing lesson plans and preparing materials before sessions
• Collaborating with specialists, parents, and other assistants
• Using developmentally appropriate and evidence-based strategies
• Documenting progress and behavioral observations using technology and data sheets
• Supporting children in social, emotional regulation, and peer interaction
• Helping with toileting and toilet training, as needed
• Creating materials for lessons, play, and art
• Setting up and cleaning the classroom before and after sessions
• Assisting with additional classroom and care needs as assigned

Ideal Qualifications:

We train and support all new staff including new grads and students!

• Preferred: Bachelors Degree or progress towards Master's degree in Special Education, Psychology, Communication Disorders, Occupational Therapy, or related field.
• Have experience working in clinic or school settings with children aged 2-5, especially those with developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, or Autism.
• Positive attitude and desire to collaborate.
• Impeccable interpersonal and communication skills with adults and children.
• Strong organization, critical thinking, problem-solving, and multi-tasking skills in a fast-moving environment with young kids.
• Can comfortably move between sitting, standing, floor play, and transitioning between activities.
• The ability to keep up with the energy of young kids, to outrun a small child, and to lift up to 40 pounds when needed.
• Proficiency in English writing and verbal communication.
• Bonus: Experience with EMRs (e.g., CHARM), Brightwheel, therapy groups, or inclusive classroom settings.

Why This Role Is Great for Aspiring Special Educators

Are you currently working on—or planning to apply to—a program in Special Education or a related field? This part-time role is ideal for students, recent grads, or anyone planning to enter careers in early intervention, education, therapy, or school-based services.

Working at CDM gives you practical exposure that directly supports academic and career goals:

• Experience with early intervention and a wide range of neurodevelopmental variations (Autism, ADHD, anxiety, intellectual disabilities, speech-language delays, nonverbal children, behavioral difficulties, genetic disorders, etc.)
• Collaboration with experts in child development and interdisciplinary teams.
• Observation and documentation practice aligned with school-based or clinical models.
• Resume-ready experience that stands out in master’s and credential program applications.
• Ideal morning schedule for students or those balancing coursework or fieldwork.
• Opportunities to learn behavioral strategies, IEP-informed approaches, and developmental methodologies.

About the Center for Developing Minds: Center for Developing Minds is an interdisciplinary, behavioral and developmental pediatric practice. Our staff provides care for children and young adults with developmental variations such as: behavior issues, learning difficulties, attention problems, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and psychological disorders. Our staff includes physicians, nurse practitioner, educational psychologists, therapists, educators, and other specialists.

Read more on our website: www.devminds.com

We are an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $23.00 per hour

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Los Gatos, CA 95032 (Required)

Work Location: In person