Special Education Paraprofessional Jobs in Chicago

1:1 Aide Role

Careers at Merlin Day Academy!

Start a Meaningful Career Supporting Students at Merlin Day Academy

Build a meaningful career supporting students while gaining hands-on experience in education, behavioral health, and child development. Merlin Day Academy is seeking compassionate Paraprofessionals (1:1 Student Aides) who are passionate about helping children grow and succeed.

In this role, you will work one-on-one with a student in a supportive therapeutic school environment while collaborating closely with teachers, therapists, and behavioral specialists. Paraprofessionals play a vital role in helping students build academic, social, and daily living skills throughout the school day.

For individuals interested in pursuing careers in healthcare, therapy, psychology, education, or applied health sciences, this position offers valuable real-world experience working alongside professionals in a multidisciplinary team.

A Therapeutic School Environment

Merlin Day Academy is a therapeutic day school located in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood, serving students ages 6–14 who benefit from structured academic and behavioral support.

Staff work alongside educators, therapists, and behavioral specialists in a collaborative environment focused on helping each student succeed both academically and socially. This setting provides paraprofessionals with valuable exposure to therapeutic strategies and approaches used in both healthcare and educational settings.

Why Paraprofessionals Choose Merlin Day Academy

Hands-On Experience for Future Healthcare and Education Careers
Gain valuable experience supporting students while working alongside therapists, behavioral specialists, and educators—an ideal role for those considering graduate programs in therapy, psychology, healthcare, or special education.

Work One-on-One with Students
Build meaningful relationships while helping students develop academic, behavioral, and social skills in a structured learning environment.

Collaborative Team Environment
Join a multidisciplinary team of educators, therapists, and support professionals focused on helping each child reach their full potential.

Professional Growth Opportunities
Develop skills in behavioral support, communication strategies, and student engagement that are valuable across healthcare, therapy, and education careers.

Mission-Driven Work
Make a real impact in the lives of students while gaining experience that prepares you for future careers in helping professions.

Grow With Us—Professionally and Personally

At Merlin Day Academy, we believe that when our team members feel supported, valued, and empowered, they can make the greatest impact on the students and families we serve.

Ongoing Professional Development
Continue growing in your career with access to training, mentorship, and opportunities to deepen your expertise in therapeutic education and support for neurodiverse learners.

Collaborative, Student-Centered Environment
Be part of a team that values collaboration, celebrates progress, and works together to support the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Interdisciplinary Team Approach
Work alongside educators, therapists, and specialists who bring diverse perspectives and expertise. Our integrated model allows staff to collaborate closely and share strategies that help students thrive.

A Supportive Workplace Culture
At Merlin, your voice matters. Our leadership team prioritizes open communication, respect, and a culture where staff feel supported and appreciated.

Opportunities for Growth
As Merlin continues to grow, team members have opportunities to take on new responsibilities, develop leadership skills, and expand their professional path within the school community.

Make a Meaningful Impact

At Merlin Day Academy, every day brings opportunities to help students build confidence, develop new skills, and experience success. Our team works together to create a safe and nurturing environment where neurodiverse learners can thrive.

We believe that by supporting our staff with the right resources, collaboration, and encouragement, we can create lasting change for the students and families we serve.

What Our Employees Have to Say About Our Culture

“I enjoy being a part of a large team with resources and people to collaborate with. I appreciate that I am often asked for feedback or ideas. I feel as if there is a priority for organization and efficiency and providing me with a very strong foundation that I have not seen at other places I’ve worked. I feel supported and comfortable asking for help.”

“The team aspect is a great part of Merlin. Being part of the different disciplines and collaborating holistically is one of my favorite parts. I feel that the staff are friendly and inclusive. The constant communication among staff is also appreciated and being able to bounce ideas off in real time with the team.”

“What I love the most about working here is the experiences that I am getting, and the ability to ask so many questions while on the job pertaining to clients, and about different strategies that can be used with clients. This is so helpful.”

“The employees that are hired are strong, dedicated to what they do and always helping each other out and learning from each other. The collaborative nature leads to learning for everyone and great treatment for clients. The day is fun and busy. I like how much autonomy we have in the treatment we provide and materials that are provided to use in sessions.”

“I love collaborating with all of the different disciplines in order to provide the best services for each client. I think that most therapists are open to trying new ideas recommended by various disciplines and are eager to incorporate new strategies that are beneficial to the clients they are seeing.”

“I really enjoy all of the therapists and co-workers here. Everyone is super helpful and willing to lend a hand. Also, the kids are amazing and make this job so worth it!”

A Supportive Start at Merlin Day Academy

Our onboarding process is designed to help you feel confident, supported, and prepared from your very first day.

Starting a new role is an important step, and at Merlin Day Academy we believe those first experiences should be welcoming, organized, and empowering. Our onboarding program is designed to help you understand our mission, connect with your team, and gain the tools and knowledge you need to support our students successfully.

From the moment you join Merlin, our goal is to help you feel prepared, valued, and connected to the community around you.

Your Path to a Strong Start

We’ve thoughtfully structured our onboarding experience to guide you through your first weeks and months at Merlin. By focusing on connection, clarity, and professional development, we ensure you are equipped to make a meaningful impact in the classroom and across our school community.

A Welcoming and Organized First Day
You’ll begin with a clear plan for your first days and weeks. From technology setup to meeting your colleagues, we make sure everything is organized so you can focus on learning and settling into your new role.

Structured Training and Support
Through guided training, classroom observation, and hands-on learning, you’ll gain a strong understanding of Merlin’s approach to therapeutic education. Experienced team members provide mentorship and support as you build confidence in your role.

Collaboration Across Disciplines
Merlin’s integrated model brings together educators, therapists, and support staff to support each student’s growth. During onboarding, you’ll meet team members across disciplines and begin building the collaborative relationships that make our work so effective.

Clear Goals and Ongoing Feedback
We work with you to set clear goals during your first months at Merlin. Regular check-ins with supervisors help ensure you feel supported, receive helpful feedback, and continue growing in your role.

More Than a Job—A Community

At Merlin Day Academy, we see every career as a journey. Our onboarding process is the first step in helping you feel confident, capable, and connected to our mission of supporting neurodiverse learners.

By investing in our team members from the very beginning, we strengthen our ability to provide a supportive, structured, and nurturing environment where students—and staff—can thrive.

We Provide Exceptional Benefits

Choose from 6 Health Care Plans to Fit Your Needs

Company Contribution of 50-80% of Health Plan Premiums

We Match up to 4% on 401K

Vision, Dental & Flex Spending Account (FSA)

7 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday

New Parent 6-week ramp up 1/2 hours=full pay

Competitve Paid Time Off (PTO)

Highly competitive year-round salary

CommuteEase

On-site trainings

CEU and Professional dues Reimbursement

Leadership Opportunities through Three Birds. One Mission.

Competitive Compensation

  • Competitive Salaries: Our pay rates are researched and recalibrated frequently to ensure we’re offering among the best in the field, whether you’re an OT, SLP, BCBA, social worker, educators or support professional.
  • Recognition for Excellence: In addition to your salary, our team members are provided annual competencies check that directly connects to their annual merit increase, acknowledging your devotion to providing outstanding care and achieving client goals.
  • Opportunities for Advancement: We embrace transparency in your growth path. Detailed benchmarks and open communication mean you always know how to progress, specialize, and grow as part of our collaborative, multi-disciplinary team.

Time Off That Honors Your Well-Being

  • Generous Paid Time Off: Recharge with a PTO package that increases with your years of service. Whether you need an extended break or a quick mental health day, we encourage you to take that time for yourself.
  • Paid Holidays: Spend meaningful moments with loved ones as we observe 7 recognized holidays + 1 floating holiday every year, so you can rest and reconnect.
  • Flexible Scheduling: With services delivered during the school day, we collaborate with you to create a schedule that works with your preferences, whether full time, part time or hourly.
  • A Culture of Wellness: Self-care is a core value at Merlin Day Academy. We foster open conversations about well-being and provide resources so you can maintain your mental and emotional health, just as you support the children and families in your care.

We Value Our Staff’s Development and Growth!

  • We promoted over 60 staff members last year!
  • 80% of our Therapeutic Assistants have been accepted into healthcare graduate school programs!
  • 82% of our staff strongly agree that their role provides them with opportunities to learn and grow!
  • We have growth opportunities across all three companies of Three Birds. One Mission.

Our Training and Professional Development Includes:

  • Thorough Onboarding and an Onboarding Mentor
  • Structured Mentorship Based on your Goals
  • On-site Training and Observation Opportunities
  • We Host Free Continuing Education Courses
  • Professional Development Days
  • Supervision and Licensure Support

See Where We’re Located!

Start your Journey with Merlin Day Academy: View Our Job Openings!

We understand that a motivated team is an effective team. When you feel seen and valued, you are better equipped to provide the empathetic, high-energy care that our clients deserve. Our rewards program is more than just an incentive; it’s a core part of our philosophy.

It’s about creating a cycle of positive reinforcement where your hard work leads to client success, and that success is celebrated, fueling your passion for the journey ahead.