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Special Needs Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Special Needs Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$19

$26

How much do special needs assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for special needs assistant in Riverside, CA is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $21.30 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 are the most commonly searched types of Special Needs jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Special Needs jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Special Needs Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Special Needs Assistant job openings:

Special Needs Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Needs Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,347 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Special Education Teacher - Extensive Support Need

LEARN Academy

Corona, CA

$66K - $85K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Learn Academy in Victorville is looking for a full-time Special Education Teacher, with Extensive Support Need teaching credential.

$5000 sign on bonus!

We offer tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance.

We offer an Induction Program to clear credential. 

The FACS program provides services for students with Autism and/or students on the Autism Spectrum who may or may not have a coexisting Intellectual Disability.  In each of the Autism classrooms, our instructors utilize the STAR program (Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research) as well as the Unique Learning System which utilizes standards-based instruction delivered through a variety of interactive tools and are differentiated for learners of all ability levels. Please see below for a narrative summary of the various program components

The classroom has no more than 12 students. 

Learn Academy is a division of (http://www.learnitsystems.com), is a certified K -12 Private Day School approved by the California Department of Education to provide Special Education Services to the students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities.

Learn Academy utilizes a highly-structured, school-wide Positive Behavioral Supports program that teaches students Academic, Social/Emotional Problem-Solving and Strategies. All teachers and support staff are trained in a unique methodology that assists students with maintaining Positive Choice-Making. We are a tight-knit team that values colleagues who exhibit collaboration, integrity and the desire to make a difference in the lives of students who struggle to be successful, and who share a passion to help children and their families.

Learn Academy offers a competitive compensation plan, comprehensive benefits and 401(k)plan, paid holidays and personal time off, also we have a tuition reimbursement for up to $ 2000 per year. Relocation assistance is available for out-of-state candidates.


Special Education Teachers work in a school-based setting and are responsible for providing an educational atmosphere where students have the opportunity to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and psychological growth. This person is responsible for organizing and implementing an individual instructional program that will result in students achieving academic success in accordance with policies.

  • Develop and implement student Individual Education Plans.
  • Implement instructional activities that contribute to a climate where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences. 
  • Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of the students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs.
  • Assist in assessing changing curricular needs and offers plans for improvement.
  • Provides a positive environment in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process.

  • Valid California Special Education Credential in Moderate to Severe Disabilities.
  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • At least 1 year of experience working with students with emotional disabilities preferred.
  • Spanish speaking a plus.  Not required.

Beach Cities Learning offers a competitive compensation plan, comprehensive benefits and 401(k)plan, paid holidays and personal time off. 

Learn Academy/Learn It Systems  is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Candidates must be presently eligible to work in the United States

Physical requirements

The physical demands described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:

·         Must be able to assume and maintain a variety of postures (stoop, reach, stand, kneel, squat, sit, walk, lift, pull, grasp) for extended periods of time 

·         Must be willing and able to implement safety measures consistent with Professional Crisis Management Association (PCMA) such as: therapeutic holds and transportation procedures utilizing quick body movements in the course of maintaining the safety of students with special needs 


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