California Montessori Project·Shingle Springs, California
The Instructional Assistant I supports the classroom teacher by assisting students, including those in special education, and maintaining a safe, inclusive learning environment. Responsibilities include preparing materials, supervising students, and collaborating with school professionals to support academic and emotional growth.
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.
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 I (IA I) reports to the Principal and is responsible for assisting in the classroom with all students, including special education students as needed. IAs work in collaboration with teachers and other school professionals and are crucial in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment wherever assigned.
Essential Functions
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.
Participate in meetings with teachers and other school professionals to discuss student progress, goals, and strategies, as necessary.
Assist in the preparation and organization of classroom materials, resources, and activities.
Model appropriate social interactions with students and peers.
Complete required reports related to accidents and injuries in accordance with school policies.
Coordinate with teachers for homework club, tutoring, student educational needs and extra curricular activities as necessary.
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.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Direct classroom activities as assigned by the Teacher or Administrator.
Ensure all classroom supplies are sufficient and report additional supplies needed.
Develop, prepare and implement lesson plans appropriate to children assigned under the supervision of the Teacher or Administrator.
Create learning materials on a monthly basis as needed to complete lesson plans.
Attend seminars, conferences, in-service training, staff meetings and parent/guardian meetings as directed by the Teacher or Administrator.
Document related operation problems or progress and report suggestions to the Teacher for improvement and possible corrective action.
Communicate with parents/guardians regarding the child's daily activities. Relate child episodic circumstances as appropriate to other staff members.
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 adult.
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
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 I 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.
Sitting and Standing: Engaging with students, teachers, and activities while both sitting and standing for extended periods.
Adapting to Student Needs: Quickly responding to unexpected situations, such as helping a student who is experiencing a behavioral challenge.
Following established safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all students.
Proper
Techniques: Utilizing appropriate techniques for assisting students with physical disabilities or behavioral challenges to prevent injury to both students and staff.
Health
Considerations: Adhering to health and hygiene standards and being mindful of any allergies or medical conditions that students may have.
Travel Requirements Minimal or none
Required Education and Experience Associates Degree, 48 college educational units, or the ability to pass a paraprofessional exam
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.
Candidates must have an Associate's degree, 48 college units, or the ability to pass a paraprofessional exam. Montessori experience and CPI certification are preferred.
Market context
In California, support roles that work with children often draw steady interest because schools and programs need staff who can help maintain safe, inclusive environments. These roles can be competitive when candidates already have CPR, First Aid, and child abuse prevention training, plus experience working with diverse groups of children. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certifications are current before applying.
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