Instructional Assistant III - Orangevale

California Montessori Project • Orangevale, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant III supports students in classroom settings, including students receiving special education services, and reports to the Campus Principal. Working with teachers and other school professionals, the assistant helps create an inclusive, safe, and supportive learning environment. A substantial portion of the role may involve intervention and support for students with special needs who exhibit disruptive, aggressive, or self-injurious behaviors, under the supervision of the special education teacher.

The position provides instructional, academic, behavioral, and individualized support. Duties include helping implement IEPs and behavior intervention plans, adapting learning materials, providing one-on-one and small-group assistance, supporting personal care and mobility needs, and maintaining student records. The role may also require briefly supervising student groups independently. The position is part-time, classified, non-exempt, and scheduled on an 11-month work calendar. Placement is on the IA III (Sped) pay scale, with hourly rates listed from $23.50 to $29.75 depending on the step.

Requirements

• Associate degree, 48 college educational units, or ability to pass a paraprofessional exam.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with students, teachers, and other professionals.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to support students with diverse abilities.
• Ability to accurately follow and implement instructions from teachers and specialists.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines when handling sensitive information.
• Must complete required toileting training and provide toileting support according to applicable guidelines.
• Must be CPI trained annually while employed with CMP.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Help create and maintain a safe, nurturing, inclusive classroom environment that supports students’ emotional well-being and academic growth.
• Monitor classroom operations and student interactions for safety and productive educational activity; report unusual circumstances, injuries, illnesses, and accidents.
• Follow applicable state and government regulations and school procedures; clean and sanitize classroom materials and maintain an orderly classroom.
• Complete required accident and injury reports and, when needed, briefly supervise student groups during lunch, recess, or transitions.
• Prepare and organize classroom materials, resources, and activities, and support students’ engagement and comprehension during instruction.
• Coordinate with teachers regarding homework club, tutoring, student educational needs, and extracurricular activities as needed.
• Collaborate with teachers to modify assignments and assessments to accommodate individual student needs.
• Participate in meetings with teachers and other professionals to discuss student progress, goals, and strategies as needed.
• Model appropriate social interactions and support classroom behavior using behavior intervention plans, PBIS strategies, and de-escalation techniques.
• Supervise students during assigned disciplinary measures, which may include in-house suspension and social isolation.
• Provide intensive support to students with significant needs, including medically fragile students and students whose behaviors may pose safety risks.
• Assist teachers with implementing IEPs and adapting curriculum materials; provide one-on-one and small-group support to students with special needs.
• When assigned as a one-to-one aide, support a specific student’s participation and access to the curriculum alongside peers.
• Assist students with personal care, mobility, and transitions; complete required toileting training and provide toileting assistance as needed.
• 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 under the supervision of a 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, the California Education Code, and CMP policy.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time positions, including 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.
• 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