Special Education Assistant

About the role

In this position, you will serve as a consistent and supportive presence within a school setting, working in direct partnership with students, teachers, and families to foster a productive learning atmosphere. Your primary responsibility will be to advance the academic progress and social-emotional well-being of students with diverse learning needs through direct support and structured engagement. You will actively assist in implementing individualized behavior plans and academic tasks designed to help learners achieve their goals. By maintaining a structured, supportive, and positive classroom environment, you will help ensure that instructional time is maximized and student needs are met effectively. This role provides the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and contribute to their daily successes within a collaborative team. You will play a vital part in helping students navigate their school day with confidence and support.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Create and maintain clear behavioral routines and visual schedules that help students self-regulate and stay engaged throughout the day.
• Run academic stations and manage small group practice sessions, reinforcing lesson objectives led by credentialed teachers to support skill mastery.
• Actively participate in grade-level meetings to discuss student data and help adjust support strategies based on ongoing observations and assessments.
• Ensure the safe movement of students between classrooms and supervise hallways to uphold school safety protocols and maintain a secure environment.
• Communicate regularly with families about student achievements and areas for growth to build strong home-school connections and shared understanding.
• Facilitate the development of social skills during informal times such as lunch and recess, providing guidance and modeling appropriate interactions.
• Prepare adapted instructional materials and manipulatives tailored to individual education goals, ensuring accessibility and engagement for all learners.
• Consistently log your hours, tasks, and detailed observations within district database systems to maintain accurate records and support accountability.

Requirements

• Hold a high school diploma or a legally equivalent certificate, as this is mandatory for entry into the role.
• Demonstrate the ability to reliably work the full 7.5-hour school schedule each day without exception.
• Successfully pass a comprehensive background check and a drug screening prior to employment to ensure a safe school environment.
• Provide current immunization records or proof of medical eligibility for school health services as required by district policy.
• Understand and comply with all privacy regulations and sign necessary confidentiality agreements to protect student information.
• Show a demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development in child safety and special education practices to enhance your skills and effectiveness.
• Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality, arriving prepared to support the daily needs of students and staff.
• Be capable of substituting for other team members when necessary, showing flexibility and readiness to support the school community.

Nice to have

• Previous experience in education, childcare, or community service settings is valued and can provide a strong foundation for success.
• Familiarity with school environments or a history of volunteer work in these settings can be beneficial for understanding the context and expectations of the role.

Skills and Tools

• Proficiency with Google Workspace is necessary for daily communication, collaboration, and documentation across the school environment.
• Experience navigating a Student Information System is essential for managing student data, updating records, and generating reports accurately and efficiently.

Practical notes

• We encourage you to review the official application page for the most current details and submission instructions to ensure you meet all requirements.
• This page will contain the definitive requirements and application process, providing the most up-to-date information for prospective candidates.

Hours and Schedule

This is a full-time position requiring a standard 7.5-hour workday, typically scheduled between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday during the school year. The schedule reflects the operational hours of the school and aligns with instructional time to support student learning. Consistent presence during these hours is essential to fulfill the responsibilities of the role and support the school community effectively.

Location Details

The position is based in Los Angeles, California, and requires work at a specific school site within the district. Candidates should be prepared to commute to the assigned location and familiarize themselves with the school's facilities and surrounding community. School site assignments are determined based on organizational needs, and while candidates may express preferences, these cannot be guaranteed.

Engagement and Start Date

The role is open for immediate engagement for the 2026-2027 academic year. Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly, as interview days are scheduled for August 3 and August

4. Early application is recommended to secure consideration and allow time for processing before the start of the school year.

Compensation Information

The compensation range for this position is set between $21.26 and $23.63 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Payment will be issued in accordance with district pay cycles and applicable regulations. This hourly rate reflects the responsibilities and requirements of the role within the context of special education support.

Background and Screening Requirements

All candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check as part of the hiring process. This includes reviewing personal and professional history to ensure suitability for work in a school environment. A drug screening will also be required prior to employment to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for students and staff.

Documentation and Compliance

You must provide current immunization records or proof of medical eligibility for school health services before beginning employment. Compliance with privacy regulations is mandatory, and you will be required to sign necessary confidentiality agreements regarding student and family information. Adherence to these policies is essential for maintaining trust and professionalism in the role.

Professional Development and Attendance

A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development in child safety and special education practices is required to ensure you remain effective in supporting student needs. Consistent attendance and punctuality are expected, and the ability to substitute for other team members when necessary is an important part of contributing to the school's operational continuity.

Application Process

While specific application procedures are not detailed in this description, candidates are directed to review the official application page for submission instructions. This page will outline the definitive requirements and steps needed to complete your application. Please refer to that page for the most accurate and current information regarding how to apply.

Team Collaboration

This role requires close collaboration with credentialed teachers, related service providers, and other support staff to ensure a cohesive approach to student support. You will be an integral member of the educational team, participating in discussions and contributing insights based on your daily interactions with students. Your observations and feedback will help shape instructional decisions and intervention strategies.

Student Safety and Supervision

Maintaining student safety is a core component of this position, requiring vigilance during classroom activities, transitions, and unstructured times. You will supervise students in various settings, including hallways, lunch areas, and recess, ensuring that school safety protocols are followed at all times. Your presence and attention contribute to a secure and supportive environment where students can learn and grow.

Communication and Relationship Building

Regular communication with families is a standard duty, helping to keep caregivers informed about student progress and areas of concern. You will share updates on achievements, challenges, and strategies that can be used to support learning at home. Building positive relationships with families enhances the student's support system and promotes consistency between school and home.

Adaptability and Flexibility

The role requires adaptability, as you may be asked to support different students, classrooms, and activities based on evolving needs. Being flexible in your responsibilities ensures that the school can respond to changing demands and provide consistent support to students. Willingness to take on varied tasks demonstrates professionalism and dedication to the mission of the school.

Technology Proficiency

Daily work will involve using technology tools such as Google Workspace for communication, lesson planning, and record-keeping. Familiarity with digital platforms used in educational settings will help you perform your duties efficiently. Experience with a Student Information System is essential for managing data related to attendance, grades, and student progress.

Contribution to School Culture

By fulfilling your responsibilities with enthusiasm and care, you contribute to a structured, supportive, and joyful classroom environment. Your efforts help create a school culture where students feel valued, engaged, and motivated to learn. Through consistent support and positive role modeling, you play a key role in the overall success of the school community.