Instructional Assistant-Special Education

Carlsbad, USD of•Carlsbad, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an open recruitment to establish an eligibility list to fill current vacant positions for the 2026-2027 school year. The eligibility list will be used to fill any vacancies that may occur within a period of one year, or until depleted. Vacancies in this classification work from 5-6 hours per day, 204 days per school year. The recruitment process will consist of a training and experience evaluation and a structured interview. Under the direction of an assigned administrator, this role assists certificated staff in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of special education students with mild to moderate disabilities in a classroom setting. The position also involves assisting students with developing behavioral skills and performing a variety of instructional support activities to help students learn the curriculum. This classification is responsible for providing grade-level academic support to students with mild to moderate disabilities.

Requirements

Possession of valid First Aid and Child/Infant/Adult CPR certificates issued by a recognized agency. No online certificates accepted.
Completion of at least 48 semester units of study at an accredited college or have obtained an Associates (or higher) degree.
Complete and pass an assessment that demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing, and mathematics OR reading, writing, and mathematics readiness.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of grade-level mathematics, language arts, and other academic subjects.
Knowledge of guidance principles and practices related to students with special education needs.
Knowledge of problems and concerns of students with special needs.
Knowledge of safe practices in classroom activities.
Knowledge of subjects taught in District elementary and secondary schools.
Knowledge of basic instructional methods and techniques.
Knowledge of classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
Knowledge of operation of standard office and classroom equipment including a computer and assigned software.
Knowledge of oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Knowledge of record-keeping and filing techniques.
Knowledge of First aid and CPR procedures.
Ability to take initiative in beginning tasks and following them through to completion.
Ability to use critical thinking and innovation to solve problems.
Ability to handle stressful situations with tact and professionalism.
Ability to work interactively as a team member.
Ability to adapt to a variety of situations and environments.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to understand and relate to students/adults with special needs.
Ability to demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude toward special education students.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to be dependable.
Ability to operate standard office and classroom equipment including a computer and assigned software.

Responsibilities

Assist certificated staff by providing benchmark (grade-level) and strategic academic instruction to support individuals or small groups of special education students in a classroom.
Confer with certificated staff concerning lesson plans and site materials to meet student needs.
Assist with the implementation of lesson plans and instructional activities.
Observe and track academic progress and behavior of students and provide updates to assigned teacher.
Monitor and assist students at varying levels of ability with completing assignments and educational activities.
Explain and ensure student understanding of classroom assignments and homework instructions.
Administer and monitor students during tests.
Observe and control behavior of students in the classroom according to approved procedures.
Enforce appropriate student behavior and ensure student understanding of classroom rules.
Monitor students during outdoor activities, recess, eating, field trips, job site visits and various other activities as assigned.
Plan and facilitate structured playground activities.
Assist students by answering questions and by providing proper examples and behavioral guidance.
Assist certificated staff in the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (I.E.P.) and related goals and objectives.
Provide support to students with meeting IEP goals and objectives.
Monitor student progress, and adapt, accommodate, and modify classroom and homework assignments to meet individual student needs and reinforce learning activities.
Accompany and assist students in mainstreamed classes as assigned without disrupting classroom activities.
Take notes for students as needed.
Escort students to and from buses and classes.
Push student wheelchairs and assist with walkers.
Lift students in and out of wheelchairs.
Assist students on and off of buses.
Assist students with reading activities and observe their reading abilities.
Assist students with letter and word pronunciation and recognition.
Assist students with spelling and writing exercises and assignments.
Assist students with operating computers and utilizing software and internet applications.
Perform a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing instructional materials, scoring student tests and assignments, recording grades and taking and recording attendance, and maintaining various records related to student progress reports, IEP goals, and behavioral tracking.
Assist with scheduling meetings, appointments and services as assigned.
Provide classroom support by setting up work areas and displays and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials.
Ensure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures.
Maintain classroom and other assigned areas in a safe, orderly and clean manner.
Administer first aid and CPR according to established procedures as needed.
Attend and participate in various meetings, conferences and in-services as assigned.
Perform related duties as assigned.