Instructional Assistant Special Education ( Special Education Paraeducator)

Fullerton School District; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fullerton School District is seeking an Instructional Assistant Special Education to provide direct support to students with diverse learning needs in classroom and small-group settings. This full-time, on-site role in Fullerton, CA reinforces lessons and adapts materials as guided by certificated staff.

You will assist with IEPs, monitor student progress, promote positive behavior, and collaborate with teachers, specialists, and families to maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with students, staff, and families.
• Experience or training in education and working with children, preferably in special education or inclusive settings.
• Clear writing and documentation skills to support student records and communication.
• Patience, empathy, and ability to support diverse learning, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Ability to follow teacher directions and implement instructional strategies in a structured environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent; college coursework or related training in special education preferred.
• School setting experience and basic computer skills (email, platforms, data entry) beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to students with diverse learning needs in classroom and small-group settings.
• Assist with instructional activities under certificated staff direction and reinforce lessons.
• Adapt materials as guided by teachers and specialists; support IEPs and monitor progress.
• Promote positive behavior, engagement, and safe, inclusive learning environments.
• Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, and families; maintain confidentiality and follow policies.
• Support classroom organization and supervise students in various school environments.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication abilities

Patience

Empathy

Follow directions

Structured learning environments

Collaboration with families

Education

High school diploma

Special education training

Paraprofessional certification

Tools

Email

Learning platforms

Data entry

Job description

Company Description

Fullerton School District (FSD) is a TK–8 public school district in Orange County, California, serving approximately 11,500 students across 20 schools. The district is committed to innovative learning experiences that promote academic excellence, creativity, character, and a strong sense of belonging in safe, supportive school communities. Educators and staff collaborate to ensure every student is known, challenged, and supported through award-winning academic programs, arts, STEM, leadership, and wellness initiatives. Founded in 1888, FSD is recognized as a leader in public education, with multiple California Distinguished Schools, National Blue Ribbon Schools, and Golden Bell Awards, as well as all 20 schools designated Apple Distinguished Schools. The district offers a dynamic environment for those seeking to learn, teach, or lead in a culture of innovation and opportunity.

Role Description

The Instructional Assistant Special Education provides direct support to students with diverse learning needs in classroom and small-group settings. This full-time, on-site role in Fullerton, CA includes assisting with instructional activities under the direction of certificated staff, reinforcing lessons, and adapting materials as guided by teachers and specialists. The Instructional Assistant supports individual education plans (IEPs), helps monitor student progress, and promotes positive behavior and engagement. Daily responsibilities may include providing academic and functional skills support, assisting with classroom organization, supervising students in various school environments, and collaborating with teachers, related service providers, and families. The role also involves maintaining confidentiality, following district policies and procedures, and contributing to a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong Interpersonal Skills and Communication abilities to collaborate effectively with students, staff, and families.
• Candidates should possess experience or training in Education and Working With Children, preferably in special education or inclusive classroom settings.
• Candidates should possess clear Writing and documentation skills to support student records and communication with the educational team.
• Candidates should possess patience, empathy, and the ability to support students with diverse learning, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Candidates should possess the ability to follow teacher and specialist directions, implement instructional strategies, and maintain a structured learning environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of college-level coursework, paraprofessional certification, or related training in special education is preferred.
• Experience in a school setting, familiarity with IEPs, and basic computer skills (e.g., email, learning platforms, data entry) are beneficial.
• Ability to meet physical requirements of the job, follow safety procedures, and uphold district policies and professional standards.