Program Aide / ESE Classroom Assistant / Special Education Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

About The WOW Center 

At  The WOW Center , we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to grow, connect, and thrive. Our culture is rooted in compassion, inclusion, and genuine joy in what we do. We don’t just teach — we empower adults with developmental disabilities to live more confidently, independently, and meaningfully within their communities

We are guided by our core values of Empathy, Excellence, Passion, Serving, Teamwork, and Continuous Improvement—principles that shape how we support our individuals, collaborate with one another, and grow as an organization every day.

If you’re someone who loves uplifting others, celebrates wins big and small, and thrives in a collaborative environment, you’ll fit right in.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You’re patient, compassionate, and naturally encouraging , and you genuinely enjoy working with and supporting others. You’re the kind of person who gets involved, builds relationships, and looks for ways to help individuals feel included, capable, and successful.

You’re dependable, attentive, and adaptable —someone an instructor can count on to follow through, notice when an individual needs support, and adjust when the day doesn’t go exactly as planned. You’re also comfortable taking direction while being proactive enough to recognize what needs to be done and jump in to help .

Most importantly, you bring a positive, respectful, and person-centered attitude to your work. You celebrate progress, encourage independence, and understand that sometimes the biggest difference comes from having someone who believes in you and helps you participate. If that sounds like you, you could be a great fit for our team!

What You'll Do…

As a Program Aide , you’ll work alongside our instructors to create a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment for adults with developmental disabilities. You’ll provide hands-on support during classroom activities, helping individuals participate, build skills, work toward their personal goals, and become more independent.

Throughout the day, you’ll encourage participation, provide individualized and small-group support, reinforce classroom routines and expectations, and assist with educational and recreational activities . You’ll get to know the individuals you support, recognize when someone may need additional guidance, and adapt your approach to help them be successful.

You’ll also help with goal and progress tracking, documentation, attendance, safety procedures, and communication with the program team . When needed, you may step in to help lead classroom activities and keep the day running smoothly in the instructor’s absence.

Above all, you’ll be an active part of the classroom—not simply observing, but engaging, encouraging, supporting, and celebrating individuals as they learn and grow .

Desired Qualifications

• High School Diploma or above 

• Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities 

• Demonstrate good verbal and writing skills in English 

• Good organizational and classroom management skills 

• Able to lead individuals in educational activities 

• Dresses in a professional manner 

• Able to use computer programs and other software related to the classroom 

• Management and administrative skills in order to assist instructor organize and execute Therap system in their program 

• Consistently reliable and dependable 

Professional Responsibilities and Duties

Classroom Support & Instruction

• Learn and follow instructor program routines to promote a consistent and effective learning environment.
• Assist the instructor in implementing and reinforcing classroom management strategies.
• Encourage and actively engage individuals in classroom activities to maximize participation.
• Work effectively with individuals in both group and one-on-one settings.
• Assess individual needs and provide appropriate guidance and support to facilitate participation in program activities.
• Assume classroom responsibilities and maintain continuity of instruction when the instructor is absent.

Participant Health, Safety & Supervision

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of individuals at all times.
• Assist with attendance procedures and follow emergency protocols when necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of individuals leaving the classroom for the restroom, therapy, field trips, or other approved activities.

Documentation & Communication

• Assist the instructor with tracking and documenting individual goals in Therap.
• Provide regular feedback to the Social Services team regarding individuals' progress and participation.
• Communicate behavioral, health, and safety concerns to the Social Services team in a timely manner.