Bella Mente Academies, a free public charter school using the Montessori philosophy of learning, is looking for highly motivated and caring individuals to join our Instructional Assistant team. Instructional Assistants provide support to teachers in classrooms, supervise students in recess and lunch settings, and/or supervise during pick up and drop off periods.

Shifts Available: Monday 9:30am-3:00pm; Tuesday- Friday 8:30am to 3pm

Working with 7th and 8th grade students.

School holidays are off.

Associates degree or equivalent units required. Individuals without this requirement may qualify by passing a paraprofessional exam administered by the school.

CLASS TITLE: INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT I

DEFINITION:
Under the direction or collaboration with an assigned Supervisor, assist a general education or special education teacher or specialist in providing instruction and assistance to individuals or small groups of students both enrolled in general education and those with special learning challenges, including but not limited to learning and/or mild to moderate disabilities, in a Resource Specialist Program (RSP), Special Day Class (SDC) or designated instructional services (DIS) classroom and learning environment; monitor and report student progress regarding behavior and performance; prepare instructional materials and perform a variety of clerical duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
● Assist instructional personnel in providing instruction and assistance to individuals/small groups of students in the general education classroom and/or those with learning and/or mild to moderate disabilities, including but not limited to the speech, hearing or visually impaired in an RSP, SDC, Severe Emotional Disorder (SED) or Severely Handicapped
(SH) class; monitor and control Learning Handicapped/ Communicatively Handicapped
(LH/CH) students out in the community.

● Attend and assist lower-functioning students in a mainstreamed classroom; reinforce instruction as directed by the Instructor or Specialist and assist with the presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises.

● Prepare and assist in the preparation of a variety of instructional materials and learning aids for use with individual or small groups of students, including assisting students in the learning center.

● Maintain a variety of records and files, including confidential student records and information.

● Requisition, store and maintain an appropriate inventory of textbooks, instructional materials, supplies, and equipment.

● Assist in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive learning environment.
● Tutor or drill students individually or in groups, following lesson plans and/or designed IEP’s or SPs, in a variety of academic subjects to explain and/or reinforce learning concepts; explain errors and answer questions; use games, skits, puppets and other instructional activities to reinforce the main lesson plan.

● Assist students with special learning challenges receiving vocational training; prepare work and inspect work for accuracy.

● Observe and control the behavior of students in and out of the classroom according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior; provide input and assist instructors with determining student advancement through established learning programs.

● Provide support to a Teacher or Specialist by setting up work areas/displays, assisting in administering tests, preparing instructional, motivational/decorative materials; assist with classroom cleanup and sanitation; assist in teaching computer skills at various levels.

● Assist, administer, correct and record tests, papers, assessments, essays and homework assignments as directed; prepare homework packets as assigned; record roll and call students and parents to follow up on students absences as assigned by the teacher.

● Supervise students according to program guidelines on the playground or field trips as assigned; assure the continuance of classroom activities and assist in shaping appropriate social behaviors when the teacher is absent from the room.

● Perform a variety of clerical duties such as maintaining accurate recordkeeping of students achievements, daily work, homework, grades and attendance; maintain confidentiality of student records in accordance with legal requirements and policies.

● Assist students by providing a proper role model, emotional support, patience, and friendly attitude and general guidance.

● Assure the health and safety of students by following health/safety practices and procedures; assist in maintaining a clean/orderly classroom environment; provide basic
First Aid and comfort to students as needed.

● Provide instruction, information and assistance to substitute Instructors and parent volunteers as assigned; participate in meetings, conferences and inservice training as assigned; provide input to IEP meetings and to parents.

● Provide recess or lunch supervision as requested.
● Other related duties as assigned.
● Onsite attendance required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:
● Child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to children/adolescents with learning disabilities.
● Knowledge of subjects taught at elementary and middle schools.
● Basic child development processes and stages.
● Basic principles and techniques of discipline and behavior modification.

● Charter School and classroom regulations, policies and objectives applicable to assigned programs. Classroom procedures and conduct.

● Basic instructional techniques.
● Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
● Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
● Oral and written communication skills.
● Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
● Recordkeeping techniques.
● Health and safety regulations.

Ability to:
● Assist certificated staff in providing patient instruction to individuals or small groups of special education students in a classroom or other learning environment.
● Provide patient, sensitive, gentle and tactful assistance to students with special educational and other needs.
● Learn the methods, procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties.
● Read, follow, explain and enforce rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
● Observe and control student behavior according to policies/procedures.
● Maintain confidentiality of student and school information.
● Perform clerical duties such as filing, typing, duplicating and maintaining records.
● Communicate effectively with students and adults both orally and in writing.
● Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff, volunteers and the public, including members of the ethnic communities.
● Perform routine clerical tasks and operate a variety of educational and office related machines and equipment.
● Work independently with little direction.
● Maintain a clean, safe and orderly classroom learning environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position classification must perform in carrying out essential job functions. Persons performing service in this classification will exert 20 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects. Perceiving the nature of sound, near and far visual acuity, depth perception, providing oral information, the manual dexterity to operate business related equipment, work with various materials and objects that are important aspects of this job.

Education:
High school graduation supplemented by training or coursework in child growth and development, special education, instructional technology or a closely related field. Associates degree, the equivalent of two years of college level course work or pass the paraprofessional exam.

Experience:
One year of paid or volunteer experience working with children of various age levels desired.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid California Driver’s License
TB Test
Background Check

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment : General education learning environment. Outdoor noisy, active recreational environment. Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid or windy conditions caused by weather may be experienced on a daily basis.

Physical Abilities : Hearing and speaking to exchange information. Seeing to monitor students.
Walking and standing for extended periods of time. Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.71 per hour

Expected hours: 29 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)

Grade levels:

• Elementary school
• Kindergarten
• Middle school

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

School type:

• Charter school
• Montessori

Work Location: In person