Paraeducator

Simi Valley Unified School District; Simi Valley, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Simi Valley Unified School District seeks a Paraeducator to assist teachers, supervise students, and prepare classroom materials across school sites. You will maintain attendance records, support individualized learning, and help with instructional activities. Requires high school diploma; 48 semester units desirable; valid California driver's license may be needed. Work involves classroom and occasional outdoor activities.

Qualifications

• Assists one or more teachers in direct care and supervision of students.
• Provides instructional assistance to individuals or small groups of students.
• Maintains attendance records and prepares classroom materials.

Responsibilities

• Assist teacher with implementing lesson plans and activities.
• Monitor classroom activities and maintain order.
• Help move students between locations and supervise field activities.
• Perform clerical tasks and prepare instructional materials and equipment.

Skills

Classroom support

Student supervision

Instructional assistance

Attendance tracking

Education

High school diploma

48 semester units desirable

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

To establish a list of eligible candidates that will be used to fill current and future vacancies (part-time, permanent and substitute) for the duration of the list, up to six months. The anticipated vacancies are 10-month, 18.75 to 29 hours per week, at various school sites.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Completed applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on August 21, 2026. Late applications and/or certificates will not be accepted.

TESTING PROCESS:

• A) Multiple Choice Test = 40% weighting on final score. Scheduled for as early as August 27, 2026.
• B) Structured Interview = 60% weighting on final score. Tentatively scheduled for as early as September 17, 2026.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job posting by the application deadline in order to move forward in the testing process. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to the multiple choice test. Those with the highest scores on the multiple choice test will be invited to the structured interview. The testing process is subject to change as needs dictate. All communication regarding this process will be delivered via email.

The information included in the Work Experience section of the application will determine whether applicants meet minimum qualifications. Please make sure you include ALL current and previous employment in the Work Experience section of the application and complete ALL fields.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications arenot intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Summary

Assists one or more teachers in the direct care and supervision of students in a classroom setting. Maintains and prepares classroom materials, attendance records, forms, and student files. Provides instructional assistance to individuals or small groups of students.

Distinguishing Career Features

The Paraeducator provides instructional assistance to general education classrooms where activities can be carried out by an incumbent who meets NCLB requirements, namely the passing of a competency assessment in reading, writing, and mathematics. It is the first and entry level in the career path for instructional assistants. Advancement to levels I-II requires more advanced knowledge, skill, and ability to work with special student populations, or in specially recognized skill areas. Paraeducators I-II are assigned to Special Education. Paraeducators II are found in areas providing continuous support to severely handicapped students. These positions typically have work assignments involving academic, therapeutic, behavioral, and medical dimensions. Advancement potential exists to higher levels of specialized instructional support which have unique titles, qualifications, and require certification or a license.

• Assists teacher with implementing lesson plans by providing positive learning experiences for students. Assists with planning and setting up learning activities.
• Assists teacher in monitoring classroom activities. Assists in maintaining classroom discipline by observing the activities of the students and maintaining order; these activities may be in or out of the classroom setting.
• Accompanies students going from one location to another. Observes, monitors, and controls behavior of students within approved procedures. Discusses behavior of students with instructional staff as necessary.
• May give individual and special instruction to assigned students. Responds to each student's particular needs and characteristics.
• Assists instructor with attendance recording. May contact parents concerning student's attendance.
• Reports to the instructor any signs of illness or distress observed in the students. Aids in dealing with the situation, as appropriate.
• Assists and guides students by providing appropriate role modeling, emotional support, patience, and a friendly and engaging attitude. Must observe confidentiality. Must be discrete in responding to student behaviors and educational needs whenever possible.
• Assists in maintaining a neat and orderly learning environment that supports learning. Performs a variety of classroom related clerical services such as maintaining charts and records, scoring and recording tests, preparing and storing instructional materials and equipment, copying instructional materials, operating office machines, including computer, copier and other audio-visual equipment. Assembles bulletin boards and other displays; arranges classroom for planned activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Education and Experience

Requires graduation from high school or equivalent. Experience working with students in a classroom or equivalent environment desired. Successful completion of the district's competency exam demonstrating knowledge of and the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing and mathematics (or readiness in those subject areas).

*Completion of 48 semester units at an institution of higher education, or an associate's (or higher) degree highly desirable. Incumbents hired into this classification, and who have completed (and provided proof) of this level of education will be assigned as an Paraeducator at salary range 55.

Licenses and Certificates

May require a valid California driver's license.

Knowledge and Skills

The position requires: Basic knowledge of the principles and practices of age appropriate child development and guidance applicable for an educational setting. Working knowledge of the basic subjects taught in the District schools, including mathematics, grammar, spelling, language and reading, with sufficient competency to assist students with individual or group studies. Basic knowledge of teaching and instruction methods. Knowledge of basic clerical and record keeping processes. Knowledge of and skill at using personal computers, audiovisual, and other equipment to support learning, record information, and send communications. Sufficient human relation skills to work productively and cooperatively with teachers, students, and parents in formal and informal settings, to exercise patience when conveying information, and demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of students.

Abilities

Requires the ability to: Assist teaching staff with the implementation of instructional goals and activities, assessing the needs of individual students and developing programs to meet those needs. Interact with teachers, parents, and specialists in order to carry out assigned duties. Oversee students, administer assignments and tests, and perform general clerical tasks. Make informal presentations to individual and small groups of students and assist with demonstrations of assigned subject matter to classroom sized groups. Relate positively to students in a teaching/learning environment in a way that builds confidence and recognizes socioeconomic and cultural differences among children. Balance emotional support and discipline and deal with common behavior problems.

Physical Abilities

Requires: ability to perform indoors in a classroom/laboratory/office environment and/or an outdoor learning environment engaged in work of primarily a sedentary to a moderately active nature; near visual acuity to read and write printed materials and computer screens; hearing and speech ability for ordinary and telephonic conversation, to speak to groups, and to hear sound prompts from equipment; ability to move about office, classroom/laboratory, and school grounds, to tutor, assist with presentations, and reach work materials; sufficient manual and finger dexterity to demonstrate teaching aids, to point out important words/figures to students, and to operate personal computers; ability to lift, carry, push, and move supplies, books, materials, etc., of light weight.

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors and outdoors with some, yet infrequent exposure to health and safety considerations.

Individuals protected by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) may request accommodation if needed. In order for appropriate arrangements to be made for testing, your request must be received at the time your application is submitted. If special arrangements are not requested at the time the application is submitted, it is understood that no special accommodations are required. Documentation on the need for accommodation must accompany your request.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Simi Valley Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants for employment. The application, examination, and selection process shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital, pregnancy, or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.