The aim of the research was to gain insight into how teaching assistants perceive their role within the education system, the challenges they face and the recommendations for improving this service for children with disabilities. The research involved 11 teaching assistants working in primary schools in the city of Zagreb. The data collection method is a semi-structured interview, and the obtained material is subjected to a thematic analysis. The results show that assistants perceive their role as child support, assistance with school materials, cooperation with school experts and cooperation with parents. The challenges that assistants face in their daily work are challenges with the child, personal challenges, challenges with parents, professionals, teachers / professors and currently with the Covid-19 virus. Suggestions that assistants consider key to improving the service are related to better conditions for teaching assistants and a better harmonized system at the state level. Teaching assistants are a key factor in educational inclusion and should have an organized system in which the child with disabilities is at the center.