Instructional Aide, SPED

A full-time position for the 2026-27 school year at Aspire Tate Academy, with a schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:15 AM to 3:45 PM.

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, Aspire is one of the largest and most forward-thinking open-enrollment public charter school systems in the nation. Our purpose is to prepare scholars for success in college, career, and life by providing knowledge, skills, and power to access choices for their families and post-secondary lives. The community values include Bienestar (Well-Being), Culture of Belonging, Community Partnership, Agency & Self-Determination, and Joy.

View the salary schedule for the 26-27 school year based on years of experience for this position type.

About the Role

The Instructional Aide assists individual students 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.

Responsibilities

• 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, including:
  • Providing 1:1 support to students in the classroom.
  • Supporting students with toileting needs.
  • Assisting with health-related needs (e.g., g-tube, feeding, administration of medication) under the supervision of the school nurse.
  • Assisting with the physical needs of students (e.g., lifting, mobility, implementing stretching/exercise routines).
• Implement and progress monitor behavior intervention plans in accordance with the IDEA.
• Assist Special Education teacher(s) in supporting students with IEPs within the school setting.
• Consistently track and input data for individual students per the benchmark dates in the IEP goal(s).
• Create and implement instructional materials that are accommodated/modified for individualized students.
• Regularly collaborate with members of the IEP team (General Education 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 the IEP team to ensure Behavior Intervention Plans are implemented with fidelity.
  • Provide support to students receiving mental health services that require behavioral support, per IEPs.
  • Implement student responsibility and monitoring plans to facilitate student independence.
  • Teach students behavior strategies per the Behavior Intervention Plan.
  • Implement de-escalation techniques, including Crisis Prevention Intervention strategies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and support for Aspire Public Schools' mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies, procedures, confidentiality standards, and code of ethical behavior.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of child cognitive development and different learning styles.
• Familiarity with students who demonstrate extensive needs.
• Ability and willingness to implement students’ individualized education programs.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing conditions; ability to take initiative to modify activities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Belief in inclusion and Aspire’s Equity Belief Statements; 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 assigned work.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Work Authorization

• Clear the Department of Justice background screening.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Provide health (TB) clearance (must be updated every four years).

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics are representative of those in a normal office, classroom, or school setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.