Instructional Aide

ChanceLight Programs•Buena Park, CA

About The Position

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs is seeking an Instructional Aide to support high school students in a special education program. The role provides personalized support, supervision, and guidance in classroom and community settings. Working closely with classroom educators, the Instructional Aide helps implement each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), tailoring instruction to individual learning needs and helping students build skills and confidence. The position contributes to a supportive, student-centered learning environment and supports students’ academic, behavioral, social, vocational, and daily-living development. It also involves monitoring progress, documenting student performance and behavior, communicating with families and staff, and participating in school and accreditation activities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and passage of a basic skills test.
Currently hold or be able to obtain a valid California state driver’s license.
Comfort driving and/or riding in a company van with students before and/or after school.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
Prior experience providing instruction, guidance, and/or support to children; experience in alternative education, special education, and/or behavioral health settings is preferred.
Skill working with children with autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, and/or related disabilities.
Ability to motivate students and have critical conversations that help them work toward realistic goals.
Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
Strong oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Knowledge of relevant technology, including instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher in education or a related field.
Current California state paraprofessional or related credential, or being in the process of obtaining one.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with classroom teachers to create a supportive, welcoming, and high-achieving learning environment where students feel safe and valued.
Implement individualized instruction and behavioral interventions on-site and in community settings, aligned with students’ goals and objectives.
Instruct and monitor students during classroom lessons, maintain instructional fidelity, and use targeted strategies to improve comprehension and course completion.
Track student progress against established timelines and communicate successes and areas needing intervention to classroom teachers.
Manage student behavior, reinforce school philosophy and policies, and apply consistent disciplinary measures in collaboration with classroom teachers.
Support and mentor students facing academic challenges and help them develop community, vocational, leisure, domestic, academic, and social skills.
Complete timely and accurate documentation of student behavior and performance, report observations, and provide actionable recommendations to relevant staff.
Assist with behavioral reports, daily activity logs, and other required documentation.
Communicate with students, colleagues, supervisors, and families about student needs, achievements, and concerns, in partnership with teachers and administration.
Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
Participate in assurance and accreditation activities and contribute to site performance and accreditation requirements.
Attend school-wide, student-parent, and advisory meetings.
Respond constructively to feedback and demonstrate continuous professional growth.
Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support students and the educational community.