Special Education Instructional Assistant II - Capitol

California Montessori Project • Sacramento, CA

20h • $22 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

California Montessori Project (CMP) is a tuition-free public charter school network serving more than 3,000 students on seven campuses in the greater Sacramento area. Its TK–8 Montessori program is grounded in Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

The Instructional Assistant II reports to the Campus Principal and works under the supervision of the site’s special education teacher. The role assists classroom teachers and other school professionals in supporting students, including special education and TK students, across a range of ages and abilities. The assistant helps foster students’ academic and personal growth and contributes to an inclusive, safe, and supportive learning environment. Depending on assignment, the role may provide one-to-one or small-group support, assist with personal care and mobility, and support students’ access to classroom curriculum alongside their peers.

This is a part-time, non-exempt classified position on an 11-month hourly calendar of 192 working days plus 11 holidays. Placement is on the IA II (SpED/TK) column of the Instructional Assistant pay scale. The listed hourly rates for that column range from $21.50 to $27.75, depending on step. Travel requirements are minimal or none.

Requirements

• Associate degree, 48 college educational units, or ability to pass a paraprofessional exam.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with students, teachers, and other professionals.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to positively support students with diverse abilities.
• Ability to accurately follow and implement instructions from teachers and specialists.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow ethical guidelines when handling sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

• Education or experience in special education or a related field.
• Montessori experience.

Responsibilities

• Help create and maintain a safe, nurturing, inclusive classroom environment that supports emotional well-being and academic growth.
• Promote respect, understanding, cooperation, and positive social interactions among students.
• Monitor classroom operations for safety, positive interaction, and productive educational activity.
• Support students during instruction so they remain engaged, on task, and understand the material.
• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to students with special needs under teacher supervision.
• Assist teachers with implementing IEPs and adapting curriculum materials, assignments, or assessments to meet individual student needs.
• Implement behavior intervention plan strategies and PBIS practices, help reinforce desired behaviors, and de-escalate tense situations.
• Maintain records of student performance, behavior, and achievements and contribute to progress reporting; data collection is supervised by the case manager and/or CMP BCBA.
• Support students during assigned disciplinary measures, including in-house suspension and social isolation, with attentive supervision.
• When assigned as a one-to-one aide, help a specific student access the curriculum and assist with daily tasks, personal care, mobility, and transitions.
• Complete required toileting training and provide toileting support according to guidelines when needed.
• Coordinate with other instructional assistants to support multiple students as needed.
• Participate in meetings with teachers and other school professionals to discuss student progress, goals, and strategies as needed.
• Assist with preparing and organizing classroom materials, resources, and activities.
• Coordinate with teachers regarding homework club, tutoring, student educational needs, and extracurricular activities as needed.
• Complete reports related to accidents and injuries in accordance with school policies, and notify teachers or administration of unusual circumstances, including illness, injury, accidents, or infectious disease.
• Clean and sanitize manipulatives and apparatuses regularly, including weekly, and maintain an orderly classroom, including dusting, mopping, and vacuuming as needed.
• Follow applicable state and government regulations, school safety protocols, and health and hygiene standards.
• Attend relevant professional development to build skills and stay current with special education practices.
• Independently supervise small or large groups briefly, such as during lunch, recess, or transitions, when required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Sick leave, paid holidays, and vacation as applicable by position.
• 403(b) and 457 retirement plans through CalSTRS Pension2, according to California state law, the California Education Code, and CMP policy.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time positions and eligible dependents.
• Access to free before- and after-care through Club M for employees with students enrolled at a CMP campus, subject to availability; application fees apply.
• Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.
• Access to Nivati, a mental health platform offering counseling, coaching, and wellness tools.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree