Instructional Assistant III - Orangevale

California Montessori Project • Orangevale, CA

3d • $24 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant III reports to the Campus Principal and assists in classrooms with all students, including special education students as needed. The role works in collaboration with teachers and other school professionals to create an inclusive, supportive, safe, and nurturing learning environment. A substantial portion of the position may involve providing intervention and academic and personal-growth support to students with special needs who exhibit disruptive, aggressive, or self-injurious behaviors associated with an emotional disturbance or autism designation, under the supervision of a special education teacher.

The position supports classroom instruction, student behavior, individualized education plans, and students’ access to the curriculum. Depending on assignment, duties may include one-on-one and small-group support, personal care and toileting assistance, and support for students with mobility or more intensive needs. The role also involves maintaining classroom safety and cleanliness, documenting student performance and behavior, collaborating with school professionals, and attending relevant professional development. CPI training is required annually while employed with CMP.

This is a part-time, non-exempt, classified position at the Orangevale Campus. The posting lists a 192-day work year and an “11 Month Hourly - 101 Days (+11 Holidays)” work calendar. Placement is on the IA III (Sped) salary column, with hourly rates ranging from $23.50 to $29.75 depending on step. The posting describes the role as working in a classroom environment with possible noise and changing student-engagement conditions, and notes that the work can be emotionally demanding. Travel requirements are minimal or none.

Requirements

• Associate degree, 48 college educational units, or the 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 impact 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.
• Must complete CPI training annually while employed with CMP.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including moving around classrooms, assisting students with mobility, occasionally lifting or assisting students, sitting and standing for extended periods, and providing personal-care support.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Help create and maintain a safe, nurturing, positive, and inclusive classroom environment that supports emotional well-being and academic growth.
• Monitor classroom operations for safety, positive interactions, and productive educational activity; notify teachers or administration of unusual circumstances, injuries, illness, accidents, or infectious disease concerns.
• Follow applicable state and government regulations and school operational procedures; clean and sanitize classroom materials and maintain an orderly classroom.
• Complete reports related to accidents and injuries in accordance with school policies.
• Independently supervise student groups for brief periods when required, such as during lunch, recess, or transitions.
• Prepare and organize classroom materials, resources, and activities.
• Support students during instruction by helping them remain engaged, on task, and understand presented material.
• Coordinate with teachers on homework club, tutoring, educational needs, and extracurricular activities as necessary.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to modify assignments and assessments to accommodate individual student needs.
• Participate in meetings with teachers and other school professionals to discuss student progress, goals, and strategies as necessary.
• Model appropriate social interactions and help manage behavior by implementing behavior intervention plans, using PBIS strategies, and de-escalating tense situations.
• Support students during assigned disciplinary measures, which may include in-house suspension and social isolation, while maintaining attentive supervision.
• Provide support to students with intensive needs, including medically fragile students and students whose behaviors may pose safety risks.
• Assist teachers with implementing IEPs and adapting curriculum materials to meet students’ needs.
• Provide one-on-one and small-group support to students with special needs under teacher supervision.
• When assigned as a one-to-one aide, support a specific student’s participation and curriculum access, including assistance with personal care, mobility, and transitions.
• Complete required toileting training and provide toileting support according to student guidelines as necessary.
• Coordinate with other instructional assistants to support multiple students’ needs throughout the day.
• Maintain accurate records of student performance, behavior, and achievements and contribute to progress reporting; data collection is supervised by the case manager and/or CMP BCBA.
• Attend relevant professional development and maintain annual CPI training while employed with CMP.
• 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, California Education Code, and CMP policy.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time positions and eligible dependents; the position is part-time, so this benefit is not stated as available for this role.
• 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.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care.
• Employee Assistance Program offering 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