California Montessori Project·Sacramento, California
The Instructional Assistant II supports students with special needs by assisting in classroom activities, implementing individualized education plans, and managing behavior under the guidance of teachers. They are also responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, and inclusive learning environment while collaborating with school professionals to track student progress.
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.
An Instructional Assistant II (IAII) reports to the Principal and is responsible for assisting in the classroom with all students, including special education and TKK 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. An Instructional Assistant II will work closely with a wide range of ages and ability levels, supporting students in their academic and personal growth while working under the supervision of the site’s special education teacher. An Instructional Assistant II works with Sped and TKK students.
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.
Support students during instructional activities, ensuring they are engaged, on task, and comprehending the material being presented.
Under the guidance of the Special Education Teacher and/or Classroom Teacher, may assist in modifying assignments and assessments, as needed, to accommodate individual student requirements.
Assist the Special Education Teacher and/or Classroom Teacher in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and adapting curriculum materials to meet the diverse needs of students.
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.
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.
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.
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 II 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.
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.
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.
Placement for this position will be on the IA II (SpED/TK) Column.
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.
Attend relevant professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and stay up to date with best practices in special education.
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.
Market context
In California, Special Education Instructional Assistant II roles typically draw steady interest because schools need reliable classroom support for students with diverse learning needs. Competition often centers on candidates who combine the required associate degree, 48 college units, or paraprofessional exam eligibility with special education experience and Montessori familiarity. Before applying, compare the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here with the original posting so you can quickly confirm fit and save research time.