Secondary School SPED Instructional Assistant

Company Description

Wonderful College Prep Academy (WCPA) is a free, public charter network in California’s Central Valley committed to providing a world-class education for all students. Founded in 2009 by Lynda and Stewart Resnick, co-owners of The Wonderful Company, WCPA offers two free state-of-the-art TK–12 public charter schools serving 2,400 students in Lost Hills and Delano, California.  

Our mission is to provide a world-class education by fostering a nurturing, engaging, community-centered school environment where students develop a strong and well-rounded academic foundation, preparing them to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners. 

At WCPA, students have access to innovative learning experiences and technology, rooted in health and wellness. Signature programs and offerings include:  

• On-site student wellness centers to support everyday health 
• Over 30 sports teams to encourage physical activity 
• Learning farms and teaching kitchens where students develop healthy habits 
• Harvest Hall, a modern dining hall offering healthy, scratch-made food daily  
• Wonderful Career Pathways, a free program where students can earn up to 60 college credits and an associate degree while in high school  
• And much more! 

Recognized for its leadership, innovation, and commitment to equity, Wonderful College Prep Academy was named School of the Year under the Hart Vision Equity & Innovation Award in 2026 by the California Charter Schools Association. This honor reflects WCPA’s dedication to providing a world-class education while shaping and inspiring the next generation of leaders throughout the Central Valley and beyond. In addition, WCPA’s Delano and Lost Hills campuses have been recognized among America’s Healthiest Schools for the past two years by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for their exceptional commitment to student and staff well-being and the advancement of physical, mental, and social-emotional health. 

We seek thoughtful, inclusive, and skilled communicators who value continuous learning and are excited to serve our students and families. Now is the time to join a team committed to paradigm-shifting work to ensure long-term success within California’s Central Valley and beyond. 

Wonderful College Prep Academy has a unique partnership with The Wonderful Company. Visit csr.wonderful.com to learn more about The Wonderful Company’s global philanthropic work.  

Job Description

The Special Education Instructional Assistant will work in partnership with lead teachers to hold students to high expectations in the classrooms and other settings, such as lunch and recess. The SPED Instructional Assistant will demonstrate commitment to our college-going mission by believing in students’ potential and supporting students' learning.

Essential Job Functions:

• Shared Vision: Supports a vision of excellence for all students, with an urgency to maximize every opportunity necessary to achieve ambitious student outcomes
• Teaching and Learning: As determined by the direct supervisor, supports classroom learning and provides 1:1 or small group student instruction as needed. This may include, but is not limited to, supporting students’ behavioral, medical, and academic needs as well as providing interventions. Environments may include general education and special education environments, including social activities
• Campus Safety and Supervision: Supports campus supervision before, during, and after school; in specific cases, this may include bus/van duties for transportation needs
• Community Outreach: Demonstrates commitment to the community by communicating regularly with families and attending key community events
• Compliance Activities: Supports the Special Education Teacher with clerical support, administrative tasks, translating/interpreting, etc.
• Coverage Support: Leads the classroom in the absence of the lead teacher
• Community Outreach: Demonstrates commitment to the community by communicating regularly with families and attending key community events
• Professional Expectations: Participates fully in assigned professional development, staff meetings, and planning sessions. Participates in the coaching cycle (being observed, receiving feedback, collaborating on action steps, implementing action steps, etc.)
• Supports the general day-to-day activities of the school site
• Administers first aid or necessary physical assistance to ill or distressed students
• May assist with toileting and diapering as necessary; may administer prescribed medication in accordance with established District procedure
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Special Education Leadership or site administration

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Substitute Permit preferred
• Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred
• Experience working with school-aged children, in particular, those with special needs

Skills, Knowledge:

• Ability to read, understand, and implement lessons based on state standards
• Knowledge of providing assessments and progress monitoring; maintaining accurate records
• Familiarity with and/or the ability to learn IEP documentation and Special Ed Reporting Software (i.e., Siras) is preferred
• Familiarity with and/or the ability to learn RTI, co-teaching, collaboration, and small group instruction
• Training or familiarity with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Knowledge or familiarity with de-escalation strategies (CPI certified preferred)
• Certification in First Aid and/or CPR, when necessary
• Proficiency with various technologies and teaching tools

Working Conditions:

• Environment: Classroom environment; fast-paced work, constant interruptions
• Physical requirements: Hearing and speaking to exchange information, make presentations and communicate over the telephone; seeing to read, prepare, and proofread documents and view computer monitors; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment; kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, to retrieve and store files and supplies; lifting light objects; ability to go to sites apart from the office to conduct business.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:45 am - 4:15 pm.

 Pay Range: $20.80 - $28.20/hour. Final compensation will depend on skills & experience. 

Additional Information

Compensation: 

• Wonderful College Prep Academy offers highly competitive compensation, commensurate with experience. 
• Full-time staff benefits include medical coverage, dental, vision, and life insurance at no cost to the employee.  
• WCPA offers an optional 403b with company match (5%) 
• Employees have free access to the Wonderful Wellness Center and gym. 

Quality of Life in the Central Valley: 

Framed by the Sierra Nevada to the east and the Coast Ranges to the west, California's Central Valley is one of the world's most productive agricultural regions and the base of The Wonderful Company's agricultural operations. This vast area enjoys a moderate climate and offers residents a high quality of life, low cost of living, and a host of diverse cultural and recreational activities. From wine tasting and hiking to rafting, fishing, skiing, and surfing -- all within a two-hour drive -- the family-friendly Central Valley has much to offer. 

Wonderful College Prep Academy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

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