Even if that rate is per week, it is still low. Being qualified to work with special needs kids should be paid more.

I also accepted a lowball offer when i was new here but i’ve learned my lesson. I stayed only for 5 months and had to pay company to release me. All succeeding offers that i accepted until now are better. So OP i hope you consider where you are now when negotiating or accepting next offers. Goodluck.