California Montessori Project
Location
Fair Oaks, California
Salary
$24 - $26 / HOUR
Provide high-level instructional and behavioral support to students, particularly those with special needs or autistic designations. Collaborate with teachers to implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and maintain a safe, inclusive classroom environment.
Requires an Associate's degree, 48 college units, or the ability to pass a paraprofessional exam. Preferred candidates have experience in Special Education or a Montessori environment.
Job Title: Instructional Assistant III
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Market context
Teaching assistant roles in California often see steady demand, especially in early childhood settings where classrooms need support with child development and daily care routines. These positions can be competitive because employers look for candidates with specific ECE coursework, practical knowledge of child development theories, and the physical ability to handle active classroom environments. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly confirm fit, then have your 12+ ECE units and relevant experience ready when you apply.
Salary benchmark
$43,881 avg / yr
Typical range: $38,750–$47,840 based on 205 active listings in California
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