The Stepping Stones Group
Make a Difference Every Day
Empowering Students, Enriching Futures!
School-Based Personal Care Assistant (PCA) | Full-Time | K-12 and Transition Special Education | Multiple Openings
About the Opportunity
Are you passionate about supporting students and helping them take part fully in the school day? The Stepping Stones Group is seeking dedicated Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) to join our team during the 2026-2027 school year. This is more than a job. It's a chance to provide the individualized support students need to safely access learning, build confidence, and join in school activities. We have multiple full-time openings.
You'll work closely with teachers, special education staff, therapists, and other school professionals to support students with feeding, toileting, medical, and developmental needs. Most assignments are 1:1, with general classroom support as needed.
- Pay: $20-$21 per hour
- Schedule: Monday-Friday, full-time, 30 hours per week (6 hours per day plus a 30-minute unpaid break), within a 7:30 AM-3:45 PM window, no evenings or overnights
- Setting: Onsite, K-12 through adult transition (up to age 21), 1:1 and classroom support in general education and special education settings
- Sites: Possible support at 1-2 school sites
- Start date: Immediate, through the end of the 2026-27 school year (early June)
- Employment type:
What You'll Do
- Provide 1:1 student support throughout the school day, and support the classroom as needed
- Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), including feeding, toileting, diapering, and personal care
- Provide mobility assistance and physical support as needed
- Support students with medical needs by following individualized care plans and staff instructions
- Provide emotional support and general academic support, including help with assignments
- Provide behavioral support using positive reinforcement and supportive strategies
- Collect and document data as directed by the teacher and school team
- Support student participation in classroom instruction, educational activities, and social-emotional learning
- Assist students during arrival, dismissal, transitions, lunch, and recess as assigned
- Accompany students to community-based instruction sites and activities when assigned to a transition program
- Follow IEP accommodations, health plans, and behavior plans as directed
- Help students build independence, communication, and daily living skills
- Monitor student safety and well-being throughout the school day
- Collaborate with teachers, therapists, special education staff, and administrators
- Maintain accurate documentation, and protect student confidentiality and dignity
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- At least 6 months of traditional classroom experience
- Ability to provide physical assistance and personal care support as needed, including feeding, toileting, and diapering
- Ability to complete required background checks and clearances
- Ability to follow health, safety, and student support procedures
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and positive working relationships
- Authorization to work in the United States; English proficiency
You'll Thrive in This Role If You Are Open To:
- Providing personal care with patience, respect, and professionalism
- Working with students with medical needs and medically fragile students
- Working with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emotional disturbance (ED), other health impairments (OHI), and behavioral needs
- Working with students of all ages, from kindergarten through age 21
- Supporting students in the community, such as on outings and at job-training sites
- Working in both general education and special education settings
- Adjusting your caseload or school site (1-2 sites) based on district needs
- Working fully onsite and in person
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with children, adolescents, or individuals with special needs
- School-based, special education, healthcare, home care, behavioral health, caregiving, or direct support experience
- Experience with personal care, ADL support, lifting, and transfers
- Experience supporting students with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, or complex medical needs
- CPR and First Aid certification
- CPI, Safety-Care, or other crisis prevention and de-escalation training
- Associate's degree or coursework in education, healthcare, psychology, human services, child development, or a related field
Related Experience We Value
Experience as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Personal Care Aide, Paraprofessional, Instructional Aide, Educational Assistant, School Aide, Student Support Assistant, Special Education Assistant, Behavior Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Home Health Aide, Caregiver, or Direct Support Professional (DSP) is highly valued.
Why Candidates Choose This Role
- Make a direct, daily difference in students' comfort, safety, and participation
- Gain hands-on experience in education and student support
- Build experience for careers in education, psychology, healthcare, nursing, social work, ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy
- Follow a predictable school schedule, with weekends, evenings, and holidays typically off
- Work alongside teachers, therapists, and school professionals
Why You'll Love Working With Us
- Competitive pay of $20-$21 per hour
- Health and wellness benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees
- 401(k) retirement plan for eligible employees
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Continuing education resources
- Employee referral bonus program
- Responsive and supportive leadership
- Opportunities for career growth and advancement
- Meaningful work that directly impacts students and communities
Physical Requirements
- Ability to remain active throughout the school day, including frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and repositioning
- Ability to lift, transfer, reposition, or physically assist students safely
- Ability to assist with feeding, toileting, and diapering
- Ability to accompany students on community outings when assigned
- Ability to respond quickly to health, safety, and behavioral situations
- Additional requirements may vary by assignment
What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?
Successful Personal Care Assistants are compassionate, dependable, patient, and attentive to student needs. They build trusting relationships with students and school teams, provide respectful and consistent personal care, promote independence and inclusion, and help students safely take part in academic, social, and school activities throughout the day.
About The Stepping Stones Group
We believe every child deserves exceptional support for their academic, behavioral, physical, and social-emotional growth. We partner with schools across the country to provide high-quality services that help students access educational opportunities and achieve meaningful success, and we give our team members the support, training, and resources to thrive.
Ready to make an impact? Apply today. Please confirm your comfort with personal care duties and your classroom experience when you apply.