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Educational Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

$19.84 - $30.55/hr

Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Significant Support Needs (SSN) Program Under the direction and guidance of a licensed special education teacher and staff, provides specialized, intensive, and ...

Why You'll Adore This Gig At Cadence Education, we're on a mission to create bright futures for ... Meets all state preschool teacher assistant requirements * Super flexible and ready to jump in ...

Why Cadence Education? Cadence Education is dedicated to creating bright futures for children ... Awesome Benefits (Full-Time Assistants): * Competitive pay + on-demand pay with UKG Wallet--access ...

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Educational Assistant information

See Rhode Island salary details

$9

$17

$22

How much do educational assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for educational assistant in Rhode Island is $17.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges educational assistants face when supporting diverse student needs in the classroom?

Educational Assistants often work with students who have a wide range of learning abilities, backgrounds, and behavioral needs. Balancing individual attention with the demands of the overall classroom can be challenging, especially when students require different types of support simultaneously. Collaboration with teachers and specialists is essential to ensure that accommodations are effective and that all students remain engaged. Flexibility, patience, and strong communication skills are key to successfully navigating these challenges and fostering a positive learning environment.

What is an educational assistant?

Educational Assistants, sometimes called teacher aides or paraprofessionals, are support staff who work under the supervision of teachers to help students succeed in the classroom. They assist with instructional tasks, provide one-on-one or small group support, and help manage classroom activities. Educational Assistants often work with students who have special needs or require extra help, contributing to a positive and inclusive learning environment. Their role varies depending on the school, but they are an essential part of the educational team.

What is the difference between Educational Assistant vs Teacher Aide?

AspectEducational AssistantTeacher Aide
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification or experienceHigh school diploma; often similar certification requirements
Work EnvironmentAssist in classrooms, special education, or support roles within schoolsSupport teachers in classroom activities, often in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and private schools, special education programsPrimarily in schools, often used interchangeably with Educational Assistant

Both roles support classroom activities and may require similar credentials. The main difference lies in terminology and specific job duties, but they often overlap in work environment and employer usage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an educational assistant?

To thrive as an Educational Assistant, you need knowledge of educational practices, child development, and typically a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with classroom technology, special education software, and basic administrative systems is often required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to effectively collaborate with teachers and students are vital soft skills. These qualities ensure that Educational Assistants can support diverse learners, maintain a positive classroom environment, and contribute to overall educational success.
More about Educational Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Educational jobs in Rhode Island? The most popular types of Educational jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Educational Assistant jobs in Rhode Island? For Educational Assistant jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Educational Assistant jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Educational Assistant jobs in Rhode Island are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Educational Assistant jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Educational Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Educational Assistant job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,492 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Significant Support Needs (SSN) Program

Douglas County School District (CO)

$19.84 - $30.55/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Please complete this application using your full legal name as it appears on your government issued forms of identification when you have time to go from start to finish. Application details cannot be saved along the way, and you must complete and submit the application in one sitting. If you leave your computer and return later, you may time out.

REMINDER: Current DCSD employees must apply through their district log-on, this application is for external candidates only!

Job Posting Title:Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Significant Support Needs (SSN) ProgramJob Description:Under the direction and guidance of a licensed special education teacher and staff, provides specialized, intensive, and individualized support to students with Significant Support Needs (SSN), including those with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities and possible physical, health, or medical impairments. As a critical member of the special education team, supports functional, academic, and life skills instruction, assists with personal care and medical needs, and promotes student safety, engagement, and independence within a structured and supportive learning environment. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community members and school clientele.
Experience working with children or young adults with significant cognitive or physical disabilities, or complex medical needs is preferred.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Occasional lifting of forty (40) to seventy (70) pounds
Frequent bending, standing, sitting, and walking
Occasional reaching, kneeling, bending, squatting, and standing
Ability to run short distances
EQUIPMENT USED:
General classroom and office equipment
ESSENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
Typical classroom noise
Mostly clean and comfortablePosition Specific Information (if Applicable):Responsibilities:
  • Health, Mobility, & Safety:
    • Assist with student positioning, transferring (e.g., from wheelchair to stander, floor to chair), and mobility using specialized equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, standers).
    • Monitor and provide delegated health care procedures, which may include seizure monitoring, administration of emergency medication (e.g., Diastat, Epipen), or basic first aid, following all required training and protocols.
    • Maintain a safe and clean learning environment, including cleaning/sanitizing equipment and materials used for personal care and instruction.
    • Closely supervise students during transitions, outdoor activities, and during mealtimes to ensure safety and prevent injury.

Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

  • Functional & Life Skills Support:
    • Support the implementation of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals in collaboration with the Special Education Teacher, including academics, functional skills, communication, social skills, and vocational training.
    • Provide support to students with Significant Support Needs (SSN) across settings, including general education environments, by ensuring access to accommodations, reinforcing academic instruction, and implementing behavior management strategies, regardless of EEO status
    • Support students with daily living and functional skills, including but not limited to, dressing, feeding (including G-tube feeding as trained and delegated), toileting/diapering, and personal hygiene.
    • Aid students in using various communication methods, including sign language, picture exchange systems (PECS), and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.
Certifications:Education:High School or Equivalent (Required)Skills:Ability to follow written and verbal instructions for implementing IEPs, health plans, and behavior protocols with high fidelity, Strong commitment to student dignity, safety, and promoting the maximum level of independence for all students, Willingness and ability to assist students with personal care, toileting, and mobility, including lifting and transferring (with appropriate training and assistance)Position Type:RegularPrimary Location:Meadow View ElementaryOne Year Only (Yes or No):No


 

Scheduled Hours Per Week:20


 

FTE:0.50Approx Scheduled Days Per Year:180 Work Days
  • (260 days indicatesa year-round position. Time off [or Off-Track Days] are thengranted based on the position. Any exceptions to the normal off-track time will be noted in the Additional Position Details section above, as scheduled work days.)
Minimum Hire Rate: $19.84 USD HourlyMaximum Hire Rate: $25.20 USD HourlyFull Salary Range:$19.84 USD - $30.55 USD Hourly
  • All salary amounts listed above are based on a full-time (1.0) FTE. If applicable, part-time salaries will be prorated according to the assigned FTE.
Benefits:This position is eligible for health, vision, dental, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), District paid and voluntary additional (supplemental) life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability, critical illness and accident voluntary insurance, employee assistance program (EAP), voluntary 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plan options.Time Off Plans:This position is eligible for paid sick and personal time.This position will be open until filled, but will not be open past:November 5, 2026