Instructional Assistant III - Carmichael at California Montessori Project

Carmichael, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

11 Aug, 26

Salary

25.5

Posted On

13 May, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Behavior Management, Special Education Support, Crisis Intervention, IEP Implementation, Classroom Management, De-escalation Techniques, Student Supervision, Interpersonal Communication, Data Collection, Personal Care Assistance, Collaboration, Patient Care

Industry

Primary and Secondary Education

Description

Job Title: Instructional Assistant III Reports To/Supervisor: Campus Principal Location: [Insert School Site] Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt, Classified Number of Working Days: 192 days Work Calendar: 11 Month Hourly - 101 Days (+11 Holidays) Salary/Pay Rate: On the Instructional Assistant Pay Scale About Us: California Montessori Project (CMP) is a successful public charter school network based in the greater Sacramento area with an exceptional TK-8 Montessori program that is tuition-free and open to all students. The network serves over 3,000 students on seven campuses. CMP is authorized through, and maintains strong relationships with four school districts: Elk Grove Unified School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, San Juan Unified School District and Buckeye Union School District. CMP teachers are supported in pursuing dual-certification, holding a Montessori certification from an AMS-accredited training center and a California state credential. The CMP Leadership Team, including the Governing Board, Directors, Principals, and Deans, provide stability and focused guidance to the organization. CMP’s commitment to equity and student success is anchored in the frameworks of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which build sustainable systems and promote whole-child development. CMP Mission: The Mission of the California Montessori Project is to provide a quality, tuition-free, TK-8, Montessori education that challenges our students to reach their full potential. Summary/Objective An Instructional Assistant III (IAIII) reports to the Principal and is responsible for assisting in the classroom with all students, including special education students as needed. IAIIIs work in collaboration with teachers and other school professionals and are crucial in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment wherever assigned. An Instructional Assistant III will spend a substantial portion of their time providing intervention to students who exhibit disruptive, aggressive and/or self injurious behaviors associated with the ED or autistic designation with special needs, supporting them in their academic and personal growth under the supervision of the special education teacher. Collaboration with teachers and other professionals will be crucial in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Essential Functions Classroom Environment & Safety * Contribute to the creation and maintenance of a safe and nurturing learning environment that promotes emotional well-being and academic growth. * Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment by promoting respect, understanding, and cooperation among all students, directing children in a positive and respectful environment. * Monitor and observe the daily operation of classrooms for safety, positive interaction and productive educational activity. * Notify Teacher and/or Administration of unusual circumstances to include infectious disease, injury, illness and accident. * Adhere to state and government regulations appropriate to school operational procedures. * Clean and sanitize all manipulative materials and apparatuses often (weekly). * Maintain a neat and orderly classroom to include dusting, mopping and vacuuming as necessary. * Complete required reports related to accidents and injuries in accordance with school policies * May be required to independently supervise small or large groups of students for brief periods (e.g., during lunch, recess, or transitions) without direct support from another adults. Instructional & Academic Support * Assist in the preparation and organization of classroom materials, resources, and activities. * Support students during instructional activities, ensuring they are engaged, on task, and comprehending the material being presented. * Coordinate with teachers for homework club, tutoring, student educational needs and extra curricular activities as necessary. * Collaborate with classroom teachers to modify assignments and assessments, as needed, to accommodate individual student requirements. * Participate in meetings with teachers and other school professionals to discuss student progress, goals, and strategies, as necessary. Student Support & Behavior Management * Model appropriate social interactions with students and peers. * Help manage classroom behavior by implementing strategies outlined in behavior intervention plans (BIPs), use Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to help teach and reinforce desired behaviors, and effectively de-escalate tense situations. * Support students during assigned disciplinary measures, which may include in-house suspension and social isolation. Attentive supervision will contribute to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment for all students involved. Special Education & Individualized Support * Provide the highest level of support to students with more intensive needs (e.g., medically fragile students, students with more severe behaviors that may constitute a safety risk for the student or staff). * Assist the classroom teacher in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and adapting curriculum materials to meet the diverse needs of students. * Provide one-on-one and small group support to students with special needs, including those with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and other exceptionalities under the supervision of the teacher. * If assigned as a 1:1 instructional aide, provide support to a specific student, helping the student succeed in the classroom and ensuring access to the curriculum alongside their peers. Provide assistance with daily tasks, such as personal care, mobility, and transitioning between activities. * Complete the required toileting training and provide toileting support according to the guidelines for students as necessary. * Coordinate with other IAs throughout the day to support the needs of multiple students when necessary. Data, Documentation & Reporting Maintain accurate records of student performance, behavior, and achievements, and contribute to progress reporting. Data collection will be supervised by case manager and/or CMP BCBA. Professionalism & Development * Attend relevant professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and stay up-to-date with best practices in special education. * Must be CPI trained annually while employed with CMP. * Perform other related duties as assigned. Competencies * Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with students, teachers, and other professionals. * Empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of students with diverse abilities. * Ability to follow and implement instructions from teachers and specialists accurately. * Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in working with sensitive information. Supervisory Responsibilities ( if applicable) None Work Environment Classroom Environment: This role often works in classrooms where conditions can vary. This may include exposure to noise, varying levels of student engagement, and the need to adapt to changing circumstances. Emotional Demands: Working with students who have special needs can be emotionally demanding but also incredibly rewarding. Special Education Teaching Assistants must remain patient, compassionate, and composed, even in challenging situations. Collaboration: Regular interaction and collaboration with teachers, therapists, and other professionals to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPS) to support students effectively. Professional Development: Ongoing learning and development to stay updated with best practices in special education, behavior management techniques, and educational technology. Physical Demands The role of an Instructional Assistant III involves various physical demands due to the nature of working with students. These demands may include: * Mobility: Moving around the classroom, assisting students with mobility challenges, and transitioning between activities. * Lifting: Occasionally lifting and assisting students with physical disabilities, as well as lifting and arranging classroom materials. * Sitting and Standing: Engaging with students, teachers, and activities while both sitting and standing for extended periods. * Physical Assistance: Providing support with personal care tasks, which might involve assisting with feeding, toileting, and other activities of daily living. * Adapting to Student Needs: Quickly responding to unexpected situations, such as helping a student who is experiencing a behavioral challenge. Travel Requirements Minimal or None Required Education and Experience Associates Degree, 48 college educational units, or the ability to pass a paraprofessional exam Preferred Education and Experience * Special Education, or related field * Montessori experience Compensation & Benefits * Time Off: Sick leave, paid holidays, vacation (as applicable by position), * Retirement: 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: Comprehensive coverage for you and your eligible dependents. * Childcare Support: 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 (FSA): Options for health care and dependent care. * Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal or work-related challenges. * Mental Health Support: Access to Nivati, a mental health platform offering counseling, coaching, and wellness tools. AAP/EEO Statement: It is the policy of California Montessori Project to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy applies to all employment practices including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and termination. Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Placement for this position will be on the IA III (Sped) Column. Creditable Service for Instructional Assistant Instructional Assistant Salary Scale allows for: - 1 step for every year of full time, full year, equivalent experience, max of 8 years Montessori Credits: -Montessori applies only to fully completed certificate programs from accredited Montessori training centers. Steps IA I IA I w/ Montessori Credential IA II (Sped/TK) IA III (Sped) 1 $19.50 $20.50 $21.50 $23.50 2 $19.75 $20.75 $21.75 $23.75 3 $20.00 $21.00 $22.00 $24.00 4 $20.25 $21.25 $22.25 $24.25 5 $20.50 $21.50 $22.50 $24.50 6 $20.75 $21.75 $22.75 $24.75 7 $21.00 $22.00 $23.00 $25.00 8 $21.25 $22.25 $23.25 $25.25 9 $21.50 $22.50 $23.50 $25.50 10 $21.75 $22.75 $23.75 $25.75 11 $22.00 $23.00 $24.00 $26.00 12 $22.25 $23.25 $24.25 $26.25 13 $22.50 $23.50 $24.50 $26.50 14 $22.75 $23.75 $24.75 $26.75 15 $23.00 $24.00 $25.00 $27.00 16 $23.25 $24.25 $25.25 $27.25 17 $23.50 $24.50 $25.50 $27.50 18 $23.75 $24.75 $25.75 $27.75 19 $24.00 $25.00 $26.00 $28.00 20 $24.25 $25.25 $26.25 $28.25 21 $24.50 $25.50 $26.50 $28.50 22 $24.75 $25.75 $26.75 $28.75 23 $25.00 $26.00 $27.00 $29.00 24 $25.25 $26.25 $27.25 $29.25 25 $25.50 $26.50 $27.50 $29.50 26 $25.75 $26.75 $27.75 $29.75

Responsibilities

Provide high-level instructional and behavioral support to students, specifically those with special needs or disruptive behaviors, within a Montessori environment. Collaborate with teachers to implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and maintain a safe, inclusive classroom.