INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT-SPECIAL EDUCATION

This is an open recruitment to establish an eligibility list to fill the current vacant positions for the 2025 - 2026 school year.

The eligibility list will be used to fill any vacancies which may occur within a period of one year, or until depleted. Vacancies in this classification work from 5 - 6 hours per day, 204 days per school year.

The recruitment process will consist of a training and experience evaluation and a structured interview,

BASIC FUNCTION :

Under the direction of an assigned administrator, assist certificated staff in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of special education students with mild to moderate disabilities in a classroom setting; assist students with developing behavioral skills; perform a variety of instructional support activities to assist students in learning curriculum.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS :

The Instructional Assistant-Special Education classification can be differentiated from the other classifications in the Instructional Assistant-Special Education series in that the Instructional Assistant-Special Education classification is responsible for providing grade-level academic support to students with mild to moderate disabilities, whereas the Instructional Assistant-Special Education / Moderate-Severe Disability classification is responsible for providing academic support to students with severe cognitive and / or physical disabilities and the Instructional Assistant-Special Education / Behavioral Intervention classification is responsible for providing academic support to students with significant aggressive and / or other behavioral difficulties.

Assist certificated staff by providing benchmark (grade-level) and strategic academic instruction to support individuals or small groups of special education students in a classroom; 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 teacher.

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 by providing proper examples and behavioral guidance.

Assist certificated staff in the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (I.E.P.) and related goals and objectives, providing 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, scoring student tests and assignments, recording grades and taking and recording attendance, and maintaining 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.

OTHER DUTIES :

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE OF :

Grade-level mathematics, language arts, and other academic subjects

Guidance principles and practices related to students with special education needs.

Problems and concerns of students with special needs.

Safe practices in classroom activities.

Subjects taught in District elementary and secondary schools.

Basic instructional methods and techniques.

Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.

Operation of standard office and classroom equipment including a computer and assigned

software.

Oral and written communication skills.

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Record-keeping and filing techniques.

First aid and CPR procedures.

ABILITY TO :

Take initiative in beginning tasks and following them through to completion

Use critical thinking and innovation to solve problems

Handle stressful situations with tact and professionalism

Work interactively as a team member

Adapt to a variety of situations and environments

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Understand and relate to students / adults with special needs.

Demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude toward special education students.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Demonstrate ability to be dependable

Operate standard office and classroom equipment including a computer and assigned software.

Certificates :

Possession of valid First Aid and Child / Infant / Adult CPR certificates issued by a recognized agency. No online certificates accepted. Copies must be submitted along with the application materials.

AND

NCLBOption 1 :

Completion of at least 48 semester units of study at an accredited college or have obtained an Associates (or higher) degree. (Copies of transcripts must be submitted along with the application materials.)

OR

NCLBOption 2 :

Complete and pass an assessment that demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing, and mathematics OR reading, writing, and mathematics readiness.

Candidates who meet the minimum requirements, as demonstrated in their application materials, will be required to successfully complete a competitive testing process to measure the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the job, which may consist of a written examination, a training and experience evaluation, a performance examination, and / or structured oral interviews. The candidates achieving the top three ranks of the appropriate eligibility list will be referred for a final selection interview. The Eligibility List resulting from this examination may be used to fill vacancies in related job classifications for which no Eligibility List exists (Ed Code 45272).

Carlsbad Unified School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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