Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Education Aide ( SpEd Aide) to join our team in the school setting! Under the supervision of an Education Specialist, the Special Education Aide will support students TK-12th grade in accessing the curriculum in both general education and special education environments. This role involves implementing accommodations, providing individualized and small group instruction, assisting with classroom management, supporting students' personal care needs, monitoring behavior, and maintaining effective communication with teachers and school personnel.
Pay Rate: $19.00 - $23.00 per hour
Location: Lakewood, CA
Schedule: Monday - Friday (School Operating hours)
Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individual or small group instruction to students with special needs.
• Reinforce teacher instruction and help students develop academic skills.
• Assist students with accessing the curriculum and completing assignments.
• Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined in students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Assist with the organization and management of the classroom.
• Prepare instructional materials and set up equipment for lessons.
• Decorate the classroom and create educational displays.
• Monitor classroom activities and manage student behavior when the teacher is absent.
• Assist students with personal care needs, such as toileting, feeding, and dressing if applicable.
• Encourage and promote the development of self-help and independent living skills among students.
• Provide mobility assistance, including lifting and positioning students as needed.
• Monitor student behavior to ensure safety and promote positive interactions.
• Implement behavior intervention plans and use positive reinforcement strategies.
• Assist in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques as needed.
• Report student progress, challenges, and achievements to teachers and other school personnel.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student performance and behavior.
• Collaborate effectively with teachers, therapists, and other staff members to support student success.
• Participate in team meetings, IEP meetings, and professional development sessions as requested/assigned..
• Assists in performing general clerical duties, during non-instructional time, related to classroom instruction and activities, such as typing, duplicating, filing and taking attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of High School Diploma or General Equivalency DiplomaEffective written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate professional appearance and maintenance of professionalism.
• Demonstrate respect for self and others.
• Exhibit self-motivation, creativity, flexibility, compassion, and dedication.
• Demonstrate a general knowledge of developmental disabilities, teaching and intervention methodologies
• Must be able to adapt to various learning environments, including general education, special education, and fully inclusive settings.
• Capable of standing, sitting, and or walking for a long period of time.

Preferred Skills:

• A minimum of 60 college units or an AA/AS degree is desirable
• Experience working with children with special needs in an educational setting is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of special education practices, including IEPs and behavior management techniques.
• Training in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Fluency in languages other than English, particularly Spanish, is a plus.

Working Conditions:

• This position is based in a school setting and may involve working with students both in classrooms and other educational environments.
• The SpEd Aide may need to provide support to students with varying levels of mobility and may be required to assist with physical positioning or mobility aids as needed.
• Regular hours are typically aligned with the school schedule, although occasional evening or weekend commitments for meetings or professional development may be required.

Other Requirements Include:

• Pass background check & live-scan.
• Current negative TB test result
• Have reliable transportation.
• Unpaid, off-duty meal period of at least 30 minutes before 5th hour of work

The Aptus Group is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.