Instructional Assistant; Special Education

Special Education Instructional Assistant

Golden Valley Charter Schools is seeking compassionate, collaborative, and student-centered individuals to join our team as Special Education Instructional Assistants. As a valued member of our Special Education Department, you will support students with diverse learning needs by providing individualized and small-group academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support under the direction of the Education Specialist. Our Instructional Assistants play an essential role in helping students access their educational program, build confidence, develop independence, and experience success both inside and outside the classroom.

Working closely with teachers, specialists, administrators, and families, you will help create an inclusive learning environment where every student is supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. At Golden Valley Charter Schools, we believe every child deserves meaningful educational opportunities that nurture academic growth, creativity, relationships, and social-emotional development. As a Waldorf-inspired public charter school, we value collaboration, hands-on learning, and educating the whole child.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide instructional support to individual students and small groups under the direction of the Education Specialist.
• Assist in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies.
• Support students' academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and communication goals throughout the school day.
• Reinforce classroom instruction using teacher-directed lessons and intervention strategies.
• Assist with data collection and documentation to monitor student progress toward IEP goals.
• Support students during classroom instruction, transitions, recess, lunch, and other school activities as assigned.
• Foster student independence through encouragement, modeling, and positive reinforcement.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, Education Specialists, and other staff.

Requirements /

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate's degree or higher preferred).
• Experience working with children in educational, childcare, behavioral, or therapeutic settings preferred.
• Experience supporting students with disabilities or diverse learning needs is highly desirable.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, flexible, and solution-oriented in a dynamic school environment.
• Valid California Driver's License.
• Knowledge of Waldorf education is appreciated but not required.

To be considered, please submit the following:

• Letter of Introduction
• Current Resume
• Three Professional Letters of Recommendation
• Applicants with additional certifications such as CPR/First Aid, paraprofessional training, behavior support training, or related coursework are encouraged to include those with their application.

At Golden Valley Charter Schools, we believe education should nurture the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, artistically, and physically. Our Waldorf-inspired educational philosophy emphasizes meaningful relationships, creativity, experiential learning, and developmentally appropriate instruction. As a Special Education Instructional Assistant, you will become an important member of a collaborative educational team dedicated to supporting students with diverse learning needs. Working alongside Education Specialists, classroom teachers, related service providers, and administrators, you will help create an inclusive school environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Knowledge of Waldorf education is welcomed but not required. We value individuals who are eager to learn, collaborate, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. Golden Valley Charter Schools is celebrating over 26 years of serving students in Sacramento County through two Waldorf-inspired public charter schools serving TK–8 students. We are committed to fostering a supportive workplace where educators and staff are encouraged to grow professionally while helping students thrive.

To learn more about Golden Valley Charter Schools, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..