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Special Needs Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Special Needs Assistant information

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$9

$18

$24

How much do special needs assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for special needs assistant in Raleigh, NC is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special needs assistant?

Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are professionals who support teachers in schools by assisting students with disabilities or special educational needs. Their primary role is to help these students access the curriculum, participate in school activities, and develop their social and life skills. SNAs provide individualized support, such as helping with mobility, communication, and personal care, depending on each student's unique requirements. They work closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a special needs assistant?

To thrive as a Special Needs Assistant, you need a solid understanding of child development, experience working with individuals with disabilities, and often a relevant qualification such as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) certificate or equivalent. Familiarity with assistive technologies, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and basic first aid is typically required. Patience, empathy, and strong communication skills help build trust and effective relationships with students and colleagues. These abilities are crucial for supporting diverse learning needs, promoting inclusion, and ensuring the well-being and progress of students with special needs.

What are common challenges faced by special needs assistants in the classroom, and how can they be addressed?

Special Needs Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing diverse student needs, supporting individualized education plans, and balancing attention among multiple students. These can be addressed by maintaining open communication with teachers, using adaptive strategies tailored to each student, and participating in regular training sessions. Collaborating closely with educational teams and seeking feedback helps Special Needs Assistants adapt to evolving classroom dynamics and provide the best possible support.

What is the difference between Special Needs Assistant vs Teaching Assistant?

AspectSpecial Needs AssistantTeaching Assistant
Required CredentialsOften requires a relevant qualification or certification in special education or supportTypically requires a general education qualification; some roles prefer specific certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in special education classrooms, supporting students with disabilitiesIn general classrooms, assisting teachers and supporting student learning
Employer & Industry UsageUsed mainly in schools with special education programsCommon across various school settings, including mainstream classrooms
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles supporting students with special needsCompared for general classroom support roles

Special Needs Assistants focus on supporting students with disabilities in specialized settings, requiring specific training. Teaching Assistants provide general classroom support across various subjects and environments. While both roles assist teachers, Special Needs Assistants have a specialized focus on students with special needs.

What skills do you need to be a special needs assistant?

A special needs assistant needs strong communication, patience, and empathy to support students with diverse needs. They should have good teamwork skills, basic knowledge of special education strategies, and often require certifications such as first aid or behavior management training. Physical stamina and the ability to adapt to different situations are also important.

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Special Needs Assistant jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Special Needs Assistant job openings:

Special Needs Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Needs Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,594 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

EC PreK Teacher @ Sadie Saulter

North Carolina Jobs

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

EC/Special Education Pre-K Teacher

Position Type: Elementary School Teaching/Pre-K
Date Posted: 4/8/26
Location: Sadie Saulter Educational Center



Term of Employment: 10 months

NCDPI Salary Schedule

Qualifications: 

  • Must hold a North Carolina teaching license in Birth-Kindergarten and have proficient knowledge in the area of child development.
  • Experience with children with special needs is preferred.

Job Description:

Provides special education services to preschool students identified as exceptional children in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Work involves implementing IEP goals. The teacher is responsible for developing individualized educational programs (IEP), lesson plans, adapting materials and toys, and designing activities and specialized instructional materials which will assist the students in meeting their IEP goals. Services include direct instruction to students, consultation with school and related service providers, and developing specialized instructional materials as needed for student's use. Reports to Director of Exceptional Children Services and EC PreK Coordinator. 

Job Responsibilities:

  • Develops and implements legally defensible individualized education programs (IEP) for eligible students.
  • Provides direct special education instruction to identified students.
  • Provides consultation with parents, families, related service providers, and other school staff regarding student's specialized needs.
  • Monitors student progress on a continuous basis.
  • Employs a variety of teaching methods to meet student needs. These techniques may require developing specialized materials or adapting toys and equipment.
  • Acts as case manager for assigned students.
  • Conducts periodic informal testing to assess student's progress.
  • Provides written progress notes to parents at the end of each 9 week reporting period .
  • Knowledge of the ECATS system
  • Maintains records and complies with laws, rules, and regulations as established in the NC Rules and Regulations Governing Children with Special Needs.
  • Must be able to use a variety of equipment for children with special needs.
  • Assist with toileting and feeding needs of children
  • Knowledge of Teaching Strategies GOLD
  • Maintain confidentiality in matters related to children and their families
  • Assist in supervision of assigned paraprofessional
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.  


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About North Carolina Jobs

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North Carolina Jobs is a public sector organization based in Raleigh, NC, US. Since its establishment, it has been dutifully serving the community by functioning as a comprehensive platform for job listings and career development resources in the state of North Carolina. Its core mission is to enhance the state's workforce by connecting its residents with employers throughout the region, aiming to foster growth and prosperity in the community by stimulating the local economy.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1989

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