Instructional Assistant - Special Education: Empowering Student Success in Diverse Learning Environments

Join the Carlsbad Unified School District Team as an Instructional Assistant - Special Education

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with special needs? Do you have a strong commitment to providing high-quality educational support and fostering an inclusive learning environment? The Carlsbad Unified School District is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Instructional Assistant - Special Education to join our team. As an Instructional Assistant - Special Education, you will play a vital role in empowering students with mild to moderate disabilities to achieve their full potential and succeed in their academic journey.

About the Carlsbad Unified School District

The Carlsbad Unified School District is a thriving educational community located in Carlsbad, California. We pride ourselves on providing a world-class education to our students, fostering a culture of excellence, and promoting a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom. Our district is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment that values diversity, equity, and social-emotional learning.

Job Summary

The Instructional Assistant - Special Education position is a critical member of our educational team. As an Instructional Assistant - Special Education, you will work closely with certificated staff to provide academic support, reinforce instruction, and assist students with developing behavioral skills in a classroom setting. This is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students with special needs and contribute to the success of our district.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist certificated staff in providing benchmark and strategic academic instruction to support individuals or small groups of special education students in a classroom setting.
• Confer with certificated staff concerning lesson plans and site materials to meet student needs.
• Assist with the implementation of lesson plans and instructional activities.
• Observe and track academic progress and behavior of students and provide updates to assigned teachers.
• Monitor and assist students at varying levels of ability with completing assignments and educational activities.
• Explain and ensure student understanding of classroom assignments and homework instructions.
• Administer and monitor students during tests.
• Observe and control behavior of students in the classroom according to approved procedures.
• Enforce appropriate student behavior and ensure student understanding of classroom rules.
• Monitor students during outdoor activities, recess, eating, field trips, job site visits, and various other activities as assigned.
• Plan and facilitate structured playground activities.
• Assist students by answering questions and providing proper examples and behavioral guidance.
• Assist certificated staff in the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and related goals and objectives.
• Provide support to students with meeting IEP goals and objectives, monitoring student progress, and adapting, accommodating, and modifying classroom and homework assignments to meet individual student needs and reinforce learning activities.
• Accompany and assist students in mainstreamed classes as assigned without disrupting classroom activities.
• Take notes for students as needed.
• Escort students to and from buses and classes.
• Push student wheelchairs and assist with walkers.
• Lift students in and out of wheelchairs.
• Assist students on and off of buses.
• Assist students with reading activities and observe their reading abilities.
• Assist students with letter and word pronunciation and recognition.
• Assist students with spelling and writing exercises and assignments.
• Assist students with operating computers and utilizing software and internet applications.
• Perform a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities, such as preparing, typing, duplicating, and filing instructional materials.
• Score student tests and assignments.
• Record grades and take and record attendance.
• Maintain various records related to student progress reports, IEP goals, and behavioral tracking.
• Assist with scheduling meetings, appointments, and services as assigned.
• Provide classroom support by setting up work areas and displays and distributing and collecting paper, supplies, and materials.
• Ensure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures.
• Maintain classroom and other assigned areas in a safe, orderly, and clean manner.
• Administer first aid and CPR according to established procedures as needed.
• Attend and participate in various meetings, conferences, and in-services as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid First Aid and Child/Infant/Adult CPR certificate issued by a recognized agency.
• No online certificates accepted.
• Copies must be submitted along with the application materials.
• Completion of at least 48 semester units of study at an accredited college or have obtained an Associate's (or higher) degree.
• Copies of transcripts must be submitted along with the application materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with students with special needs.
• Knowledge of special education principles and practices.
• Experience with IEP implementation and progress monitoring.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, teachers, and other staff members.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, teachers, and other staff members.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced educational environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Knowledge of special education principles and practices.
• Experience with IEP implementation and progress monitoring.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

The Carlsbad Unified School District is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff members. As an Instructional Assistant - Special Education, you will have access to:

• Comprehensive training and support.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment.
• Opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.

Work Environment and Company Culture

The Carlsbad Unified School District is a vibrant and inclusive community that values diversity, equity, and social-emotional learning. As an Instructional Assistant - Special Education, you will be part of a team that is passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with special needs. Our work environment is:

• Collaborative and dynamic.
• Supportive and inclusive.
• Focused on student success and well-being.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

The Carlsbad Unified School District offers a competitive salary range of $18.33 - $22.26 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. As a valued member of our team, you will also receive:

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Conclusion

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with special needs and are committed to providing high-quality educational support, we encourage you to apply for the Instructional Assistant - Special Education position at the Carlsbad Unified School District. Join our team and become a vital part of our success story.

Take the next step and apply now!