Instructional Aide / Special Education Assistant (Special Education; Part-Time; Escondido)

Instructional Aide / Special Education Assistant (Special Education; Part-Time; Escondido) at Element Education: Community Montessori & Dimensions Collaborative Charter Schools (San Diego County)

Share on X

Print

Application Deadline

Until Filled

Date Posted

5/7/2026

Contact

Kiran Sihota

760-743-7880

Number of Openings

1

Salary

Pay Range

$17.35 - $23.35 Per Hour

Add''l Salary Info

Supplemental Insurance; Accrued PTO; Retirement Plans; Professional Development Funds

Length of Work Year

10 months per year

Employment Type

Part Time

Benefits

Supplemental Insurance, PTO, Retirement Plans, Professional Learning Funds

Schedule

Part-Time (Monday - Thursday); 10-months per year; Start Date: 08/03/2026

Hours

8:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location

Escondido, CA

Compensation

The wage range for this role takes into account a range of factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, and business/organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Element Education believes in professional learning and reflection and utilizes a a merit based program.

Additional Information

This position is open until filled and may close at any time without prior notice.

Job Summary

Job Summary

Start Date 8/3/2026 Seeking resourceful, creative, and driven candidates interested in joining a team dedicated to developing innovative practices, efficient systems, and strong relationships while cultivating a generation of life-long and self-determined learners. Come join our growing team! The Instructional Aide is a classified, non-exempt position with Element Education. Under the direct supervision of the Student Support Manager and the Education Specialist , the Instructional Aide supports and promotes the mission, vision, objectives and policies of Element Education. The Instructional Aide is primarily responsible for providing support to students with intervention and targeted needs.

Job Description / Essential Elements: Print

Instructional Aide and Student Support Assistant

The Instructional Aide (IA) and Student Support Assistant (SSA) is a classified, non-exempt position with Element Education. Under the direct supervision of the Resource Specialist and the Educational Facilitator, the IA/SSA supports and promotes the mission, vision, objectives and policies of Element Education. The IA/SSA is primarily responsible for providing support to students under the direction of the Education Specialist and Student Support Manager.

Essential Functions

Support Student Learning

1. As an IA:

• Provide direct individual and/or small-group instruction to students (SAI) to target academic goals according to their IEPs
• Provide support to students in the group learning environment to target academic, vocational, and behavior goals according to their IEPs
• Provide support to students in the group learning environment on curriculum accommodations and to support access to the general education curriculum according to their IEP's

2. As a SSA:

• Provide direct individual and/or small-group intervention and instruction to students to target academic goals
• Profvide support and instruction to students in a grouplearning environment to target academic, vocational, and behavior goals
• Provide support to students in the group learning environment on curriculum accommodations

3. Ensure the safety of students including, but not limited to, assisting in conducting emergency drills and cleaning of workspace

Accountability and General Administration

• Return all correspondence, including phone calls and emails, within a reasonable period of time; Be accessible during business hours and respond to administrative needs and inquiries in a timely manner
• Attend and participate in all required meetings, trainings, and school functions; Promote and participate in creative exchange of ideas
• Observe confidentiality

Public Relations

• Develop positive relationships with parents and general public associated with the organization
• Communicate and support the school's mission, policies, and procedures
• Represent Element Education and its programs in a positive and professional manner
• Assist with maintaining a positive and effective work environment; Treat all staff with respect, provide opportunities for participation in decision making, and be responsive to the human needs of staff members

Professional and Organizational Development

• Seek innovative approaches to self-directed learning and formal training
• Practice reflective observation regularly; Maintain growth mindset
• In collaboration with the Director of Special Education, plan for own career growth and ongoing professional development
• Understand and contribute to the Organization's vision, growth, and development

? Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Commitment to student learning and success for all students
• Familiarity and commitment to the mission and educational philosophy of Element Education
• Ability to maintain records as directed by supervisor
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding parents, families, and staff
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding parents, families, and staff
• Ability to remotely and/or virtually perform duties and attend meetings, as needed
• Ability to exercise emotional maturity in communicating with students, parents, and colleagues
• Demonstrate considerable knowledge of technology, Microsoft Office 365 and its' applications, and DocuSign
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Use appropriate language, tone, and English usage
• Demonstrate good judgement
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships; be approachable and professional
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; be self-motivated and well-organized
• Ability to think strategically and independently
• Ability to accept responsibility and constructive criticism
• Demonstrate willingness to help others and foster a cooperative and positive working environment

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Upon Hire/Offer

• First Aid/CPR/AED certification
• Proof that employee is free of active tuberculosis (i.e. TB risk assessment, TB test, X-ray, etc.)
• Successful background clearance

Salary: $17.35 - $25.60

Benefits: Supplemental Insurance; 403(b)/457(b) retirement programs; Accrued PTO

Work Schedule: 10 months

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to read, speak, see, and hear well enough to communicate by telephone, electronically, in person, and in the classroom. Employee must also regularly be able to write, file, type, and operate a computer, telephone, general office equipment, and classroom equipment. While in the classroom, the employee is also regularly required to extend arm with upper extremities to write on a whiteboard which may require neck rotation to look back at the class. The employee must frequently stand and walk throughout the classroom while maneuvering in tight spaces as well as frequently kneel, stoop, or crouch when working with classroom equipment, helping students, etc. A moderate amount of work is completed on electronic mobile and desktop devices. The employee will occasionally sit for an extended period of time which is done at a desk with forward bending from the waist, leaning on forearms, and looking down which requires neck flexion. It is necessary to grasp and manipulate pens, markers, scissors, staplers, etc., occasionally or frequently, depending on the day. Employee might occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or move materials and classroom furniture to manipulate the classroom layout and be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. The employee is required to deal with irate members of the public and stressful situations.

The employee must have reliable transportation and be able to attend meetings at various Element Education regions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position works in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, classrooms, outdoors, home office, Learning Centers, and the Administrative Office, and may experience heat or cold extremes as well as fumes, odors, and dust. Noise level is moderate to loud.

Element Education is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Requirements / Qualifications

Location: Escondido, CA Work Schedule: Part-Time Requirements Upon Hire/Offer: - AHA approved First Aid/CPR/AED Certification - Tuberculosis Clearance - Background clearance

• Letter of Introduction
• Letter(s) of Reference (3 Letters)
• Resume

Requirements / Qualifications

Location: Escondido, CA Work Schedule: Part-Time Requirements Upon Hire/Offer: - AHA approved First Aid/CPR/AED Certification - Tuberculosis Clearance - Background clearance

• Letter of Introduction
• Letter(s) of Reference (3 Letters)
• Resume

Comments and Other Information

Location: Escondido Work Schedule: Part-Time To inspire each child''s natural desire to learn by offering choice, flexibility, and learning standards based on learning styles and the developmental stages of the learner. Element Education is a non-profit corporation which oversees two publicly funded charter schools. Our mission is to promote a culture of education which empowers learners to find and develop their passion and to inspire the natural desire to explore and learn through choice and flexibility. We refer to students' learning styles (dispositions, modalities, interests, talents, and environment) as well as the developmental stages of learning when collaborating with the student, parents, and mentors in developing a personalized learning plan unique to each student. During their educational journey, students demonstrate mastery by making progress toward expertise in areas related to their educational goals, autonomy through choice and self-directed learning activities, and a sense of purpose by engaging in meaningful learning which contributes to something larger than themselves. Reach your ELEMENT by helping children discover theirs! www.myelement.org

Comments and Other Information

Location: Escondido Work Schedule: Part-Time To inspire each child''s natural desire to learn by offering choice, flexibility, and learning standards based on learning styles and the developmental stages of the learner. Element Education is a non-profit corporation which oversees two publicly funded charter schools. Our mission is to promote a culture of education which empowers learners to find and develop their passion and to inspire the natural desire to explore and learn through choice and flexibility. We refer to students' learning styles (dispositions, modalities, interests, talents, and environment) as well as the developmental stages of learning when collaborating with the student, parents, and mentors in developing a personalized learning plan unique to each student. During their educational journey, students demonstrate mastery by making progress toward expertise in areas related to their educational goals, autonomy through choice and self-directed learning activities, and a sense of purpose by engaging in meaningful learning which contributes to something larger than themselves. Reach your ELEMENT by helping children discover theirs! www.myelement.org

Links Related To This Job

• Element Education
• Community Montessori
• Dimensions Collaborative
• View Other Job Desc. / Ess. Elem.

CalPERS Links

Not all postings qualify for CalPERS. Informational Only.

• CalPERS Retirement Benefits

ADD TO WISHLIST VIEW JOB WISHLIST APPLY (Current Employees ONLY) APPLY QUICK APPLY