California Montessori Project·Fair Oaks, California
The Instructional Assistant III supports classroom teachers by providing academic and behavioral intervention for students, including those with special needs. They are responsible for maintaining a safe, inclusive environment, implementing behavior plans, and documenting student progress.
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.
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.
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
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.