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Why Join DuPage Regional Office of Education?
DuPage Regional Office of Education (DROE) is a forward‑thinking, community‑driven organization dedicated to providing equitable, high‑quality educational experiences for every learner in the Du Page region. Our mission is to empower schools, educators, and families with the resources, expertise, and collaborative spirit needed to nurture each child’s unique potential. As a remote team member, you will become an integral part of a vibrant, supportive network that spans multiple districts, schools, and specialties—making a real difference in the lives of early‑childhood learners with special needs while enjoying the flexibility of working from home.
Position Overview – Early Childhood Special Education Teaching Assistant
This full‑time, remote role is designed for compassionate, detail‑oriented professionals who thrive in an inclusive educational environment. You will partner directly with licensed teachers, speech‑language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other specialists to deliver individualized instruction, life‑skills support, and behavioral reinforcement for children aged 3‑5 who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Your day‑to‑day efforts will help ensure that each student meets or exceeds the learning and developmental milestones outlined in their IEP, while also fostering a safe, nurturing, and engaging virtual classroom experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Implement Instructional Plans: Follow and adapt lesson plans created by licensed teachers and therapists, delivering content through virtual platforms, hands‑on activities, and interactive tools.
- Modify Lessons on the Fly: Assess student comprehension in real time and apply pre‑approved modifications or develop new strategies to keep learning objectives on track.
- Support Daily Living Skills: Assist students with grooming, toileting, feeding, and adaptive physical education activities as directed, using virtual prompts and guided practice.
- Document and Communicate Progress: Record observations, track behavior reinforcement, and update IEP goals using district‑approved software; share insights with teachers and therapists during weekly virtual team meetings.
- Facilitate Transition Activities: Coordinate virtual “arrival” and “dismissal” routines, ensuring students log in and out of sessions safely and are prepared for the next activity.
- Engage in Professional Development: Attend weekly team meetings, participate in training webinars, and stay current on best practices in early childhood special education.
- Provide Non‑Instructional Support: Help with classroom organization, set up adaptive technology, and assist with any additional tasks that promote a functional learning environment.
- Promote Positive Behavior: Observe, reinforce, and document appropriate behaviors; use evidence‑based strategies to address challenging actions.
Essential Qualifications
- Valid Illinois Educator License with Stipulations (PARA), Substitute License, or Professional Educator License. Candidates without a PARA license must meet one of the following pathways:
- Associate’s degree (or higher) with 60 semester hours of coursework.
- High School Diploma or GED + minimum score of 460 on the ETS PARAT test.
- High School Diploma or GED + ACT WorkKeys scores of 4 in Applied Mathematics and Reading for Information.
- Demonstrated experience working with early‑childhood students who have special needs, preferably in a classroom or virtual setting.
- Strong English communication skills – ability to read, write, and speak clearly with students, families, and staff.
- Basic arithmetic proficiency to support math‑related activities.
- Computer literacy: proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Google Workspace, and district‑specific learning management systems.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to FERPA regulations.
- Physical capability to lift up to 50 lb, kneel, crouch, and perform other movements required for hands‑on assistance (even in a remote setting, occasional on‑site visits may be required).
Preferred Qualifications & Additional Assets
- Certification in Early Childhood Special Education (e.g., EC‑SE, Autism Spectrum Disorder specialization).
- Experience with adaptive technology such as communication boards, switch-activated devices, or iPad‑based learning apps.
- Training in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
- Background in family engagement and parent coaching.
- Previous remote teaching or virtual assistance experience.
Core Skills & Competencies for Success
- Empathy & Patience: Ability to build trusting, supportive relationships with children who may have communication or sensory challenges.
- Organization & Time Management: Skillful at juggling multiple student plans, documentation requirements, and virtual meeting schedules.
- Adaptability: Comfort with rapidly shifting priorities, emerging technologies, and evolving instructional strategies.
- Collaboration: Strong team player who can communicate effectively with teachers, therapists, administrators, and families.
- Problem‑Solving: Proactive in identifying barriers to learning and proposing actionable solutions.
- Technical Proficiency: Comfortable troubleshooting video‑conference tools (Zoom, Google Meet), learning platforms, and assistive software.
- Professional Integrity: Commitment to ethical standards, confidentiality, and continuous improvement.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
- While the primary work location is remote, occasional attendance at on‑site events, parent meetings, or student outings may be required.
- Must be able to lift, move, or assist children up to 50 lb during in‑person interactions.
- Regularly sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, and kneel while assisting with daily living tasks.
- Work in a quiet, well‑lit home office that meets the district’s ergonomic standards.
Work Environment & Company Culture
DROE fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and growth‑oriented culture. As a remote employee, you will enjoy:
- Flexibility: Schedule that accommodates personal responsibilities while meeting student needs.
- Community: Access to a network of educators, therapists, and administrators via virtual lounges, mentorship programs, and regular team‑building events.
- Support: Ongoing coaching from experienced special‑education teachers, technology assistance, and a dedicated HR partner.
- Recognition: Employee appreciation initiatives, performance awards, and opportunities to showcase innovative classroom strategies.
Compensation, Benefits & Perks
The position is classified as non‑exempt with a starting wage of $16.00 per hour. In addition to the hourly rate, you can expect:
- Competitive benefits package after probation, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Retirement savings options (IRA/401(k) with employer match).
- Paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and holidays aligned with the school district calendar.
- Professional development stipend for conferences, certifications, or coursework.
- Technology allowance for home‑office equipment (monitor, headset, ergonomic chair).
- Employee assistance program (EAP) for mental‑health support.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
DuPage Regional Office of Education is committed to helping you advance your career. As you gain experience, you may:
- Earn additional endorsements (e.g., Autism, Behavior Intervention) through district‑sponsored training.
- Transition into roles such as Lead Teaching Assistant, Special‑Education Coordinator, or Remote Instructional Specialist.
- Participate in research initiatives focused on innovative early‑childhood interventions.
- Mentor new assistants and contribute to the development of best‑practice guides for virtual special‑education instruction.
How to Apply
Ready to make a meaningful impact on young lives while enjoying the flexibility of remote work? Follow these steps:
- Prepare an updated resume highlighting relevant licensure, experience with special‑needs children, and any remote‑work expertise.
- Write a cover letter that explains your passion for early‑childhood special education, your approach to individualized instruction, and why you are excited to join DROE.
- Submit your application through the online portal. Include copies of your educator license, transcripts, and any certifications.
- Qualified candidates will be contacted by the building principal or designated administrator for a virtual interview.
Join Us – Transform Futures From Anywhere
At DuPage Regional Office of Education, every day is an opportunity to champion inclusion, empower families, and nurture the earliest learners with special needs. If you bring a blend of patience, professionalism, and a heart for education, we invite you to apply now and become a vital part of our mission‑driven, remote team. Make a difference—one child, one skill, one supportive interaction at a time.
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