Instructional Assistant - Carmichael

Instructional Assistant I

Reports to:

Campus Principal

• 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.
• Monitor and observe daily classroom operations for safety, positive interaction, and productive educational activity.
• Participate in meetings with teachers and other school professionals to discuss student progress, goals, and strategies.
• 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 (weekly).
• Maintain a neat and orderly classroom, including 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 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.
• Document related operation problems or progress and report suggestions for improvement and corrective action.
• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding the child's daily activities and related circumstances.
• May supervise small or large groups of students for brief periods (e.g., lunch, recess, transitions) without direct support from another adult.

• 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 when handling sensitive information.

• Classroom can vary in noise level and student engagement; requires adaptability.
• Working with students who have special needs can be emotionally demanding; requires patience, compassion, and composure.
• Regular interaction with teachers, therapists, and other professionals to implement IEPs and BIPs.
• Continuous professional development, staying current with best practices in special education and behavior management.

• Mobility: moving around the classroom, assisting students with mobility challenges, and transitioning between activities.
• Sitting and standing for extended periods while engaging with students, teachers, and activities.
• Quickly responding to unexpected situations, such as a student experiencing a behavioral challenge.

• Follow established safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the physical and emotional well‑being of all students.
• Use appropriate techniques for assisting students with physical disabilities or behavioral challenges to prevent injury.
• Adhere to health and hygiene standards and be mindful of any allergies or medical conditions that students may have.

Minimal or none.

• Associate's Degree (48 college educational units) or the ability to pass a paraprofessional exam.

• Montessori experience.
• Preference given to candidates willing and able to obtain CPI certification and provide additional Special Education support as necessary.

• Time Off:
  Sick leave, paid holidays,…