Does anyone work as a Teacher aide for the Mentally challenged?

Question

I just found out that this type of work has great benefits and pays extremely well.I realize it is going to be hard work.I am just wondering what the hard parts are:Do they hit ,bite that sort of thing?I have never worked with the mentally challenged before.I was just at a regular daycare teacher for 3-4 yr olds.Just wondering how it will be if they ever need help and would hire me.Also what do you make and is your insurance good(If you don't mind me asking?)Thank You:)

Answer 1

I'm glad that you chose to do this type of work - it's really beneficial. I didn't work as a Teacher's aide, but I did work in a residential home and day support program  for almost 3 years. I currently work as a Speech Therapist with the MR population.

Yes, they bite, kick, spit, push, pull, etc. (I have been all of those and more.) I have seen a lot of different behaviors - some I hadn't a clue how to deal with.

My pay and benefits are awesome, but then again I work for the state of Virginia.  I make around $33,000 a year and have Blue Cross Blue Shield health/dental/vision insurance. (As a day program worker, I made $12.65/hr and residential worker, I made $10.50/hr.) Each facility/employer and state varies on pay ... I think Va pays the least in health care workers.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

You normally need to have some college under your belt.  Different states, different rules.  Call the Human Resources department of your local school system and ask.  If they give you requirements that you don't already have, ask if you can work on the requirements after you hired.

Again different states, different rules, but not all school systems pay their special ed. staff more, so don't rule out a regular education position just yet.  The benefits should be identical, too.  

Yes, some special needs hit, bite, scratch, run away from you... but certainly not all and not all the time!  If you can't deal with that, don't accept a special education position!  

*** Sounds like a good fit for you!  I've seen more than one new assistant not make it a month.  The teacher will be able to direct you when things go wrong.  You will likely go through a training class or two.  Best wishes.

Answer 3

Hello, I am currently a teacher aide with the autistic population, and the work is very challenging and rewarding.  There are different levels of autism so there is a chance that you will encounter a child that hits,bites,spits,and have outburst.  Do not go into this profession unless you have a passion to help children that are mentally challenged.  My pay rate is 9.57 an hour, we just received a 5% raise, the insurance is not resonable.  Thank God my husband has good insurance or else I would not be able to make it.  I live in Pensacola, Florida the district in which I live in also makes a difference in the pay.  I can drive thirty minutes and make more money doing the same thing, but it would be inconvient for my family. I would say that your pay would be determined by where you live, the cost of living here is not the same as other places so the pay rate will reflect that.

Answer 4

I answered your other question -this one had other questions in it-some of the kids do hit punch bite and even vomit and pee or poo-some kids not all!It depends on the setting and the programming --way more info is needed to truly answer your question correctly-there are several levels of special needs children educational programs some are in regular school mainstreamed into regular classes , some are not-another long story-good luck to you.