CUSD Teacher Aide

Job Description

Job Description

Position Description: Hiring for the 2026–2027 School Year Special Education Teacher Aide – Mission Viejo to San Clemente Location: Mission Viejo to San Clemente, California Employment Type: Part-time, Non-exempt Schedule: Monday to Friday (3–5 days per week), 7:30 am – 5:00 pm or 8:30 am – 3:00 pm; approximately 10.5–32.5 hours per week Pay: $21.00 – $25.00 per hour (Placement within the range depends on experience, qualifications, and assignment). ABOUT STRATEGIC KIDS Strategic Kids partners with schools and districts to provide dependable school-day and after-school staffing that supports students from the first bell to the last. Our paraeducators, instructional aides, activity leaders, and expanded learning staff are compassionate professionals—each with the heart of a teacher—who help create safe, engaging environments where every student can thrive. We also offer enrichment programs built on play with purpose. Through chess, LEGO® engineering, visual arts, magic, and field games, students build teamwork, critical thinking, and confidence while discovering the joy of learning. POSITION SUMMARY Strategic Kids is hiring Special Education Teacher Aides to support K–12 students with disabilities in public and charter schools throughout South Orange County. In this role, you will work directly with students in classrooms 1:1 and in small groups helping them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Provide individualized support to students with special education needs Assist teachers with classroom management and activities Use positive reinforcement and structured behavior management QUALIFICATIONS Must be at least 18 years old Minimum 3 months of experience working or volunteering with children High school diploma or equivalent required CPR/First Aid certification within thirty (30) days of hire, as needed Ability to travel between school sites, as needed PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Lift and carry up to 20 lbs. (e.g., supplies, equipment) Stand and walk for extended periods while actively supervising students Bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch to assist students at their level Sit on the floor or in child-sized chairs during activities Move quickly to respond to student needs or emergencies See and hear well enough to supervise students and respond to safety concerns Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. BENEFITS Strategic Kids team members earn paid sick and safe leave from day one, are eligible for the CalSavers state retirement savings program, and are covered by State Disability Insurance and workers' compensation. We also offer paid training and new hire orientation, a monthly cell phone reimbursement, and a referral program. BACKGROUND CHECK Following a conditional offer of employment, this role requires DOJ Live Scan fingerprint clearance, as required for staff working with students (Strategic Kids covers the cost). Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and applicable local fair chance ordinances. HOW TO APPLY Ready to join our team? Click the Apply button to submit your application. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Strategic Kids is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.