The Instructional Assistant provides personalized educational support and interventions to students with special needs according to their Individualized Education Plans. This includes implementing behavior plans, assisting with physical and health needs, and collaborating with the IEP team.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have an Associate's degree, 48 college units, or pass a Paraprofessional Test, with a Bachelor's degree preferred. Experience working with students with moderate to severe special needs in an educational setting is preferred.
**This is a part-time interim position with 28 hours/week with Aspire Junior Collegiate Academy in Huntington Park ending in June 2027.**
ABOUT ASPIRE Aspire Public Schools operates a network of high-performing, college preparatory charter schools serving TK-12 scholars in communities across California. Founded in 1998—in an effort to transform the inequitable racial, social, and gender outcomes that our communities persist through—Aspire is one of the largest and most forward-thinking open-enrollment public charter school systems in the nation. Our purpose is to prepare our scholars for success in college, career, and life. At Aspire, we set a foundation for our scholars to gain knowledge, skills, and power to access and make choices for their families and post-secondary lives. Every day, our community of students, families, teachers and staff comes together to learn, work, and play in an environment grounded in our values of Bienestar (Well-Being), Culture of Belonging, Community Partnership, Agency & Self-Determination, and Joy. Click here for our salary schedule for the 26-27 school year based on years of experience for this position type. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AOLWy3V8DwOvDhfJI8oehtJsctRdexCP/view?usp=sharing] [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yNxgM2hkWHxxo2DRU1M5t5DuCMxUoTtB] JOB SUMMARY The Instructional Aide assists individual student’s and/or groups of students by providing a high quality, personalized education program, per Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), under the direction of the Special Education Teacher, General Education teacher/s and/or Speech & Language Pathologist, while upholding the core values of Aspire Public Schools. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provide services, supports and interventions directly to students, under the guidance and daily supervision of the Special Education teacher/s.
Implement the IEP with fidelity (i.e. provide 1:1 support to student in classroom, support student/s with toileting needs, assist with health-related needs (g-tube, feeding, administration of medication) (under supervision of school nurse) and assist with the physical needs of students (lifting/ assisting with mobility, implementing student stretching/exercise routines.)
Implement and progress monitor behavior intervention plans in accordance with the IDEA.
Assist Special Education teacher/s in supporting students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) within the school setting.
Consistently track, per the benchmark dates in the IEP goal/s and input data for individual students.
Create and implement instructional materials that are accommodated/modified for individualized students.
Regularly collaborate with members of the IEP team (GE teacher, Education Specialist, Speech and Language Pathologist, Instructional Aides, Administrators, Program Specialist and Other Service providers.)
For students with Behavior Supports and Services:
Collaborate with members of the IEP team (GE teacher, Education Specialist, Speech and Language Pathologist, Instructional Aides, Administrators, Program Specialist and Other Service providers) to ensure Behavior Intervention Plans are implemented with fidelity.
Provide support to students receiving mental health services that require behavioral support, per Individual Education Plans.
Implement student responsibility and monitoring plan/s to facilitate student independence.
Teach student/s behavior strategies per the Behavior Intervention Plan.
Implement de-escalation techniques, including Crisis Prevention Intervention strategies.
Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, Aspire Public Schools mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
Perform other related duties as required and assigned
Qualifications
Competencies
Knowledge of child cognitive development and different learning styles
Familiarity with students that demonstrate extensive needs.
Ability and willingness to implement students’ individualized education programs
Ability and willingness to reflect and improve on practice
Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing conditions; ability and good judgment to take initiative to modify activities
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Belief in inclusion and Aspire’s Equity Belief Statements and demonstrates high expectations for students with diverse learning needs
Minimum educational level
Associate’s degree or successful completion of 48 units of college credit or passing of Paraprofessional Test
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Teaching, or related field preferred
Experience preferred
• 1+ year working with students in special education with moderate / severe needs or students from urban communities in an educational setting
Physical requirements
Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
Communicating with others to exchange information.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
Work authorization requirements
Clear the Department of Justice background screening
Authorized to work in the United States
Provide health (TB) clearance (most update every four years)
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics are representative of those in a normal office, classroom/school setting which one might encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EEO STATEMENT Aspire Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Market context
California teaching assistant demand remains steady
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.
