Instructional Aide, SPED - Aspire Public Schools

We are currently accepting applications for the immediate school year and the 2024-25 school year.

About Aspire:
Aspire Public Schools operates a network of high-performing, college preparatory charter schools serving TK-12 scholars in communities across California. Founded in 1998—in an effort to transform the inequitable racial, social, and gender outcomes that our communities persist through—Aspire is one of the largest and most forward-thinking open-enrollment public charter school systems in the nation.

Our purpose is to prepare our scholars for success in college, career, and life. At Aspire, we set a foundation for our scholars to gain knowledge, skills, and power to access and make choices for their families and post-secondary lives. Every day, our community of students, families, teachers and staff comes together to learn, work, and play in an environment grounded in our values of Bienestar (Well-Being), Culture of Belonging, Community Partnership, Agency & Self-Determination, and Joy.

JOB SUMMARY

The Instructional Aide assists individual student’s and/or groups of students by providing a high quality, personalized education program, per Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), under the direction of the Special Education Teacher, General Education teacher/s and/or Speech & Language Pathologist, while upholding the core values of Aspire Public Schools.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide services, supports and interventions directly to students, under the guidance and daily supervision of the Special Education teacher/s.

• Implement the IEP with fidelity (i.e. provide 1:1 support to student in classroom, support student/s with toileting needs, assist with health-related needs (g-tube, feeding, administration of medication) (under supervision of school nurse) and assist with the physical needs of students (lifting/ assisting with mobility, implementing student stretching/exercise routines.)

• Implement and progress monitor behavior intervention plans in accordance with the IDEA.

• Assist Special Education teacher/s in supporting students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) within the school setting.

• Consistently track, per the benchmark dates in the IEP goal/s and input data for individual students.

• Create and implement instructional materials that are accommodated/modified for individualized students. 

• Regularly collaborate with members of the IEP team (GE teacher, Education Specialist, Speech and Language Pathologist, Instructional Aides, Administrators, Program Specialist and Other Service providers.)

• For students with Behavior Supports and Services: 

• Collaborate with members of the IEP team (GE teacher, Education Specialist, Speech and Language Pathologist, Instructional Aides, Administrators, Program Specialist and Other Service providers) to ensure Behavior Intervention Plans are implemented with fidelity.

• Provide support to students receiving mental health services that require behavioral support, per Individual Education Plans.

• Implement student responsibility and monitoring plan/s to facilitate student independence.

• Teach student/s behavior strategies per the Behavior Intervention Plan. 

• Implement de-escalation techniques, including Crisis Prevention Intervention strategies. 

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, Aspire Public Schools mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Competencies

• Knowledge of child cognitive development and different learning styles

• Familiarity with students that demonstrate extensive needs.

• Ability and willingness to implement students’ individualized education programs

• Ability and willingness to reflect and improve on practice

• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing conditions; ability and good judgment to take initiative to modify activities

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Belief in inclusion and Aspire’s Equity Belief Statements and demonstrates high expectations for students with diverse learning needs

Minimum educational level:

• Associate’s degree or successful completion of 48 units of college credit or passing of Paraprofessional Test

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Teaching, or related field preferred

Experience preferred:

• 1+ year working with students in special education with moderate / severe needs or students from urban communities in an educational setting

Physical requirements: 

• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

• Communicating with others to exchange information.

• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Compensation:
Aspire Public Schools is dedicated to our teammate's well-being! In addition to a competitive base salary that is benchmarked against local districts and charter schools, we offer employees exceptional benefits, including paid time off, 100% core health benefits coverage on select plans, life insurance/long-term disability, participation in a CA state retirement plan, tuition reimbursement plan, and adoption assistance program. Our salary schedule based on years of experience for this position type is reflected here:

Aspire Public Schools SPED Instructional Assistant Pay Scale

Aspire Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Aspire promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.

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