--- title: Special Education Classroom Aide at Merlin Day Academy description: Merlin Day Academy is hiring for the Special Education Classroom Aide role in Chicago, IL. See the full description and apply. type: job url: https://www.foundrole.com/jobs/special-education-classroom-aide-at-merlin-day-academy-01a10f64-81ae-79e7-b1d9-e559638ee764 date: 2026-10-06T04:18:23Z og_description: Join Merlin Day Academy as Special Education Classroom Aide in Chicago, IL. Pays $20–$22 per hour. Full-time, on-site role. og_image: https://www.foundrole.com/og/a9z9jc.png breadcrumbs: - label: Home url: https://www.foundrole.com/ - label: Search url: https://www.foundrole.com/jobs --- | | | |---|---| | **Company** | Merlin Day Academy | | **Location** | Chicago, IL | | **Salary** | $20/hr - $22/hr | | **Type** | Full Time | | **Posted** | Oct 05, 2026 | ## Description **Special Education Classroom Aide - Therapeutic Day Program** 3319 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL | Clinic-Based | Predictable Monday–Friday, 7:45am - 3:15 PM schedule - No evenings or weekends. **Compensation & Benefits** - **Hourly Rate:** $20-$22/hour, based on experience and qualifications. - **Annual Increases:** Annual merit-based increases. - **Comprehensive Benefits Packages:** Medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and employee assistance programs. - **Paid time off and holidays:** Generous PTO, 7 paid holidays, plus 1 floating holiday. - **Growth and Learning:** Continuing education opportunities. - **Professional Advancement:** Opportunities to develop skills and take on additional leadership responsibilities, including: Department Lead, Safety-Care Instructor, Onboarder, and CPR Instructor. - **401(k) Retirement Plan:** Available for all employees; company match $1 for $1 for first 3% and $.50 for $1 up to another 2%. - **Flexibility For New Parents** - **Free Onsite Parking** **Apply today** at **[threebirdsonemission.com/careers](https://threebirdsonemission.com/careers/)**to join our mission of empowering children with neurodiverse needs to succeed! ## **About the Role** Merlin Day Academy is an intensive therapeutic day program providing education and therapeutic intervention in a supportive classroom environment for children ages 6-14 with autism, AHD, sensory processing disorder, and other neurodiverse needs. Our relationship-based, family-centered approach focuses on helping students build the skills that foster success in their community and beyond. As a **Special Education Classroom Aide**, you will support children ages 6-14 years old with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and other neurodiverse needs. In this role, you'll help promote each child's cognitive, social, emotional, adaptive, and developmental growth. Responsibilities: - Assist with individualized **therapy activities and classroom/lesson preparation.** - Support clients during group therapy rotations. - **Collaborate** daily with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers. - Help maintain a positive, engaging, **play-based** learning environment. Knowledge and Skills Required: - Bachelor's or Associate's degree OR completion of at least 60 semester hours of college-level coursework - ISBE Paraprofessional License required - Experience working with children or clients with special needs is a plus - Ability to lift up to 25lbs **Why Join Merlin Day Academy?** Make an impact in the lives of children and their families by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to provide innovative, therapeutic interventions in an education setting. This is your chance to work in a supportive, collaborative environment where your skills and dedication are valued. ## Skills - Special Needs Education - ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) - Group Therapy - Lesson Planning - Educational Paraprofessional - Sensory Processing - Working with Children Check ## Benefits - Professional Development - Health Insurance - Dental Insurance - Vision Insurance - Disability Insurance - Life Insurance - Paid Time Off (Pto) - Floating Holidays - 401(k) Plans - Other Retirement and Savings - Tax-Advantaged Accounts ## Related - [Education & Training jobs](https://www.foundrole.com/careers/education-and-training?utm_source=ai_markdown)- [Teaching Support & Enrichment jobs](https://www.foundrole.com/careers/education-and-training/teaching-support-and-enrichment?utm_source=ai_markdown)- [Special Education Paraprofessional jobs](https://www.foundrole.com/careers/education-and-training/teaching-support-and-enrichment/special-education-paraprofessional?utm_source=ai_markdown)- [Browse all companies](https://www.foundrole.com/companies?utm_source=ai_markdown) ## Explore this job market - [Illinois](https://www.foundrole.com/locations/us/illinois?utm_source=ai_markdown) — 106324 jobs - [Chicago, IL](https://www.foundrole.com/locations/us/illinois/chicago?utm_source=ai_markdown) — 28310 jobs - [Primary and Secondary Education](https://www.foundrole.com/sectors/education/primary-and-secondary-education?utm_source=ai_markdown) — 24468 jobs ## Related pages - [Illinois](https://www.foundrole.com/locations/us/illinois?utm_source=ai_markdown) — 106324 jobs - [Chicago, IL](https://www.foundrole.com/locations/us/illinois/chicago?utm_source=ai_markdown) — 28310 jobs - [Primary and Secondary Education](https://www.foundrole.com/sectors/education/primary-and-secondary-education?utm_source=ai_markdown) — 24468 jobs ## Browse - [Companies](https://www.foundrole.com/companies?utm_source=ai_markdown) - [Jobs by country](https://www.foundrole.com/locations?utm_source=ai_markdown) - [Jobs in the United States by state and city](https://www.foundrole.com/locations/us?utm_source=ai_markdown) - [H1B sponsors by location](https://www.foundrole.com/h1b-sponsors?utm_source=ai_markdown) - [H1B salaries](https://www.foundrole.com/h1b-salaries?utm_source=ai_markdown) - [Sectors and industries](https://www.foundrole.com/sectors?utm_source=ai_markdown) - [Jobs by career field](https://www.foundrole.com/careers?utm_source=ai_markdown) - [Latest jobs](https://www.foundrole.com/jobs/latest?utm_source=ai_markdown)