Instructional Assistant I - Capitol (Near Sac State)

Job Title Instructional Assistant I Reports To / Supervisor Campus Principal About Us California Montessori Project (CMP) is a successful public charter school network located in the greater Sacramento area offering a tuition‑free TK‑8 Montessori program open to all students. The network serves more than 3,000 students across seven campuses and maintains strong relationships with Elk Grove Unified School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, San Juan Unified School District, and Buckeye Union School District. Mission The mission of CMP is to provide a quality, tuition‑free TK‑8 Montessori education that challenges students to reach their full potential. Summary / Objective An Instructional Assistant I (IA I) reports to the Principal and assists in the classroom with all students, including special‑education students as needed. IAs work collaboratively with teachers and other school professionals to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment whenever assigned. Essential Functions Contribute to creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing learning environment that promotes emotional well‑being and academic growth. Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment, promoting respect, understanding, and cooperation among all students. Monitor classroom operations for safety, positive interaction, and productive educational activity. Participate in meetings with teachers and other professionals to discuss student progress, goals, and strategies as needed. Assist in preparing and organizing 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 clubs, tutoring, student educational needs, and extracurricular activities as necessary. Notify teachers and/or administration of unusual circumstances, including illness, injury, or accidents. Adhere to state and government regulations related to school operations. Clean and sanitize manipulative materials and apparatuses on a regular basis. Maintain a neat, orderly classroom, including dusting, mopping, and vacuuming as needed. Perform other related duties as assigned. Direct classroom activities as assigned by the teacher or administrator. Ensure classroom supplies are sufficient and report needs for additional supplies. Develop, prepare, and implement lesson plans under the supervision of a teacher or administrator. Create learning materials on a monthly basis to support lesson plans. Attend seminars, conferences, in‑service training, staff meetings, and parent/guardian meetings as directed. Document operation problems or progress and offer suggestions for improvement. Communicate with parents/guardians about child daily activities and related circumstances. Supervise small or large groups of students during breaks, recess, or transitions without direct support when required. Competencies Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to impact students with diverse abilities. Ability to follow and implement teacher instructions accurately. Demonstrated confidentiality and adherence to ethical guidelines when handling sensitive information. Work Environment Classroom conditions vary, often including noise and changing student engagement levels. Special‑needs students may pose emotional demands; patience and composure are essential. Regular interaction with teachers, therapists, and other professionals to implement IEPs and BIPS. Ongoing learning and professional development in best practices for special education, behavior management, and educational technology. Physical Demands Mobility around the room and with students who have mobility challenges. Extended periods of sitting and standing while engaging with students. Rapid response to unexpected situations, such as behavioral challenges. Safety Measures Follow established safety protocols and guidelines to ensure student and staff well‑being. Utilize proper techniques to assist students with physical or behavioral challenges, preventing injury. Adhere to health and hygiene standards, mindful of allergies and medical conditions. Travel Requirements Minimal or none. Required Education and Experience Associate’s degree (48 college units) or successful completion of a paraprofessional exam. Preferred Education and Experience Montessori experience. Willingness and ability to obtain CPI certification and provide additional Special Education support as needed. Compensation and Benefits Time off: Sick leave, paid holidays, vacation (as applicable). Retirement: 403(b) and 457 plans through CalSTRS Pension2. Medical, dental, and vision insurance for full‑time positions (full coverage for employee and eligible dependents). Childcare support: free before and after‑care through Club M for employees with students enrolled at a CMP campus (subject to availability). Flexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care. Employee Assistance Program for confidential support. Mental health support via Nivati platform. Instructional Assistant salary is based on the standard pay scale: step 1 is $19.50, increasing $0.25 per step up to step 26 at $29.75, reflecting years of experience. AAP/EEO Statement California Montessori Project provides equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy applies to all employment practices. Other Duties This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties; responsibilities may change, or new duties may be assigned at any time. Placement and Salary Scale Placement will be within the IA I column, with separate step pay for those possessing a valid Montessori Teacher credential. Adjustments are based on years of experience, as indicated in the instructional assistant salary scale. #J-18808-Ljbffr California Montessori Project