Occupational therapist Jobs in Escondido, CA

Your experience in behavioral support transfers directly into special education classrooms.
Whether you’ve worked as a Behavior Technician, Behavioral Specialist, Behaviour Therapist, or Behavior Interventionist, the skills you use every day are exactly what SPED classrooms need. Building rapport, supporting individuals with complex needs, implementing behavior intervention plans, de-escalating challenging situations, and applying therapeutic or behavioral strategies are all highly transferable to school settings.
These paraprofessional roles in SPED Classrooms are a natural next step if you want to continue making a real impact, with predictable school-day hours, a structured environment, weekly pay, and W-2 employment. You’ll support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs, while using the experience you’ve already built in a new and meaningful setting.
If you’re passionate about supporting students with special needs and want a role where your skills can make a daily difference, this could be your next step.
We are actively recruiting right now for the upcoming school year starting in August 2026!
Joining our team early is a great way to complete your onboarding, showcase your skills, and secure your position before the fall rush. We are looking for paraprofessionals and classroom aides to support special education students. Now’s your chance to get set up for success and be ready to create strong bonds and make a lasting impact the moment doors open this August.

👋 About Zen Educate
Zen Educate is tackling the educator shortage by helping schools connect with passionate teaching assistants and paraprofessionals. We’re proud to support both schools and staff by creating smart, fast matches that benefit students and communities alike.

As a Behavior Therapist moving into a school-based role, you'll apply the behavioral support skills you've already built, playing a crucial role in supporting students with special needs by assisting the classroom teacher. Your focus will be on implementing behavior management plans, redirecting challenging behaviors, facilitating social interactions, and providing one-on-one or small group assistance to help students meet their IEP goals within a structured learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Assisting licensed staff in the classroom
• Aid students in meeting their individualized education plan (IEP)
• Maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and de-escalate behaviors
• Work with individuals and/or small groups when activities and assignments are presented
• Provides support for students in crisis
• Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance the student's learning experiences and support them as needed.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma obtained in the United States
• 6+ months experience supporting people with special needs (in any capacity), ideally child-focused experience
• Applicants must have professional proficiency in English
• US Work Authorization - Zen Educate cannot provide sponsorship for an employment visa or relocation assistance at this time

Physical Requirements:

• Comfortable being on your feet and moving around the classroom throughout the day
• Able to lift up to 20 lbs and safely assist students when needed (kneeling, bending, quick response)
• Additional physical requirements may be requested during your application process

Preferred Qualifications / Experience

• Experience working in special education, particularly with moderate to severe behaviors
• Experience with personal care tasks, like diapering and toileting
• Experience handling unexpected behaviour, such as hitting and biting
• Comfortable with eloping
• Experience with behaviour strategies and methodologies
• Experience in collecting data and following BI plan
• Associate's degree or higher (obtained in the US or US equivalency check completed)
• Pro-Act training
• Certification in CPR and First Aid

Salary
Pay: $22 - $24.50 per hour, paid weekly.
Schedule: Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work)

Benefits:

• Paid weekly
• 401K (certain eligibility criteria)
• Long-term employment opportunities within the District

Ready to get started? Connect with a recruiter today to feel the difference you can make.

Ref: #SDHCZA-Aug26