Primary School SPED Instructional Assistant (Speech)

Wonderful College Prep Academy (WCPA) is a free, public charter network in California’s Central Valley dedicated to providing a world-class education for all students. Founded in 2009 by Lynda and Stewart Resnick, WCPA offers two free state-of-the-art TK–12 public charter schools serving 2,400 students in Lost Hills and Delano, California. Our mission is to foster a nurturing, engaging, community-centered school environment where students develop a strong academic foundation, preparing them to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners. WCPA is recognized for its leadership, innovation, and commitment to equity, having been named School of the Year in 2026 by the California Charter Schools Association.

About the Role

The Special Education Instructional Assistant will work in partnership with lead teachers to support students in classrooms and other settings, such as lunch and recess. This role supports the college-going mission by believing in students' potential and providing necessary interventions.

Responsibilities

• Supports a vision of excellence for all students, maximizing opportunities for ambitious outcomes.
• Supports classroom learning and provides 1:1 or small group student instruction as needed, addressing behavioral and/or medical needs, and academic support.
• Supervises students in various settings, including social activities, before, during, and after school.
• Communicates regularly with families and attends key community events.
• Supports the Special Education Teacher by assisting with clerical tasks, administrative duties, translating/interpreting, and other related responsibilities.
• Assumes responsibility for the classroom in the absence of the lead teacher.
• Performs first aid or necessary physical assistance to ill or distressed students, as necessary.
• May assist with toileting and diapering as needed; administers prescribed medication in accordance with established District procedures.
• Supports the general day-to-day activities of the school site.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree, required
• Bachelor’s degree, preferred
• Substitute Permit, preferred
• Bilingual in Spanish/English, preferred
• Experience working with school-aged children, particularly those with special needs

Skills, Knowledge

• Ability to read, understand, and implement lessons based on state standards
• Knowledge of providing assessments and progress monitoring; maintaining accurate records
• Familiarity with and/or the ability to learn IEP documentation, and Special Ed Reporting Software (i.e., Siras)
• Familiarity with and/or the ability to learn RTI, co-teaching, collaboration, and small group instruction
• Training or familiarity with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Knowledge or familiarity with de-escalation strategies (CPI certified preferred)
• Certification in First Aid and/or CPR, when necessary
• Proficiency with various technologies and teaching tools

Working Conditions

• Environment: Classroom environment; fast-paced work, constant interruptions
• Physical requirements: Hearing and speaking to exchange information, make presentations, and communicate over the telephone; seeing to read, prepare, and proofread documents and view computer monitors; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment; kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, to retrieve and store files and supplies; lifting light objects; ability to go to sites apart from primary office to conduct business.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 7:15 am - 3:45 pm.

Pay Range

$20.80 - $28.20/hour. Final compensation will depend on skills & experience.

Additional Information

Wonderful College Prep Academy offers highly competitive compensation, commensurate with experience. Full-time staff benefits include medical coverage, dental, vision, and life insurance at no cost to the employee. WCPA offers an optional 403b with company match (5%). Employees have free access to the Wonderful Wellness Center and gym. The Quality of Life in the Central Valley includes a moderate climate, a high quality of life, low cost of living, and a variety of diverse cultural and recreational activities. Wonderful College Prep Academy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. EEO is the law - click here for more information.