Instructional Assistant Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
Instructional assistant visa sponsorship jobs in California are concentrated in large K-12 districts like Los Angeles Unified, San Diego Unified, and Fresno Unified, as well as community college systems across the Bay Area and Central Valley. California's multilingual student population drives consistent demand for internationally trained instructional staff, making it one of the more active states for this role.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Instructional Assistant III
Reports To/Supervisor: Campus Principal
Location: American River
Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt, Classified
Number of Working Days: 192 days
Work Calendar: 11 Month Hourly - 101 Days (+11 Holidays)
Salary/Pay Rate: On the Instructional Assistant Pay Scale
Summary/Objective
An Instructional Assistant III (IAIII) reports to the Principal and is responsible for assisting in the classroom with all students, including special education students as needed. IAIIIs work in collaboration with teachers and other school professionals and are crucial in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment wherever assigned. An Instructional Assistant III will spend a substantial portion of their time providing intervention to students who exhibit disruptive, aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviors associated with the ED or autistic designation with special needs, supporting them in their academic and personal growth under the supervision of the special education teacher. Collaboration with teachers and other professionals will be crucial in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Essential Functions
Classroom Environment & Safety
- Contribute to the creation and maintenance of a safe and nurturing learning environment that promotes emotional well-being and academic growth.
- Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment by promoting respect, understanding, and cooperation among all students, directing children in a positive and respectful environment.
- Monitor and observe the daily operation of classrooms for safety, positive interaction and productive educational activity.
- Notify Teacher and/or Administration of unusual circumstances to include infectious disease, injury, illness and accident.
- Adhere to state and government regulations appropriate to school operational procedures.
- Clean and sanitize all manipulative materials and apparatuses often (weekly).
- Maintain a neat and orderly classroom to include dusting, mopping and vacuuming as necessary.
- Complete required reports related to accidents and injuries in accordance with school policies.
- May be required to independently supervise small or large groups of students for brief periods (e.g., during lunch, recess, or transitions) without direct support from another adult.
Instructional & Academic Support
- Assist in the preparation and organization of classroom materials, resources, and activities.
- Support students during instructional activities, ensuring they are engaged, on task, and comprehending the material being presented.
- Coordinate with teachers for homework club, tutoring, student educational needs and extracurricular activities as necessary.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to modify assignments and assessments, as needed, to accommodate individual student requirements.
- Participate in meetings with teachers and other school professionals to discuss student progress, goals, and strategies, as necessary.
Student Support & Behavior Management
- Model appropriate social interactions with students and peers.
- Help manage classroom behavior by implementing strategies outlined in behavior intervention plans (BIPs), use Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to help teach and reinforce desired behaviors, and effectively de-escalate tense situations.
- Support students during assigned disciplinary measures, which may include in-house suspension and social isolation. Attentive supervision will contribute to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment for all students involved.
Special Education & Individualized Support
- Provide the highest level of support to students with more intensive needs (e.g., medically fragile students, students with more severe behaviors that may constitute a safety risk for the student or staff).
- Assist the classroom teacher in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and adapting curriculum materials to meet the diverse needs of students.
- Provide one-on-one and small group support to students with special needs, including those with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and other exceptionalities under the supervision of the teacher.
- If assigned as a 1:1 instructional aide, provide support to a specific student, helping the student succeed in the classroom and ensuring access to the curriculum alongside their peers. Provide assistance with daily tasks, such as personal care, mobility, and transitioning between activities.
- Complete the required toileting training and provide toileting support according to the guidelines for students as necessary.
- Coordinate with other IAs throughout the day to support the needs of multiple students when necessary.
Data, Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of student performance, behavior, and achievements, and contribute to progress reporting. Data collection will be supervised by case manager and/or CMP BCBA.
Professionalism & Development
- Attend relevant professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and stay up-to-date with best practices in special education.
- Must be CPI trained annually while employed with CMP.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Competencies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with students, teachers, and other professionals.
- Empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of students with diverse abilities.
- Ability to follow and implement instructions from teachers and specialists accurately.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in working with sensitive information.
Physical Demands
The role of an Instructional Assistant III involves various physical demands due to the nature of working with students. These demands may include:
- Mobility: Moving around the classroom, assisting students with mobility challenges, and transitioning between activities.
- Lifting: Occasionally lifting and assisting students with physical disabilities, as well as lifting and arranging classroom materials.
- Sitting and Standing: Engaging with students, teachers, and activities while both sitting and standing for extended periods.
- Physical Assistance: Providing support with personal care tasks, which might involve assisting with feeding, toileting, and other activities of daily living.
- Adapting to Student Needs: Quickly responding to unexpected situations, such as helping a student who is experiencing a behavioral challenge.
Travel Requirements
Minimal or None
Required Education and Experience
Associates Degree, 48 college educational units, or the ability to pass a paraprofessional exam
Preferred Education and Experience
- Special Education, or related field
- Montessori experience
AAP/EEO Statement: It is the policy of California Montessori Project to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy applies to all employment practices including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and termination.
Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Placement for this position will be on the IA III (Sped) Column.
Creditable Service for Instructional Assistant
Instructional Assistant Salary Scale allows for:
- 1 step for every year of full time, full year, equivalent experience, max of 8 years
Montessori Credits:
- Montessori applies only to fully completed certificate programs from accredited Montessori training centers.
Steps
IA I
IA I w/ Montessori
Credential
IA II
(Sped/TK)
IA III
(Sped)
1
$19.50
$20.50
$21.50
$23.50
2
$19.75
$20.75
$21.75
$23.75
3
$20.00
$21.00
$22.00
$24.00
4
$20.25
$21.25
$22.25
$24.25
5
$20.50
$21.50
$22.50
$24.50
6
$20.75
$21.75
$22.75
$24.75
7
$21.00
$22.00
$23.00
$25.00
8
$21.25
$22.25
$23.25
$25.25
9
$21.50
$22.50
$23.50
$25.50
10
$21.75
$22.75
$23.75
$25.75
11
$22.00
$23.00
$24.00
$26.00
12
$22.25
$23.25
$24.25
$26.25
13
$22.50
$23.50
$24.50
$26.50
14
$22.75
$23.75
$24.75
$26.75
15
$23.00
$24.00
$25.00
$27.00
16
$23.25
$24.25
$25.25
$27.25
17
$23.50
$24.50
$25.50
$27.50
18
$23.75
$24.75
$25.75
$27.75
19
$24.00
$25.00
$26.00
$28.00
20
$24.25
$25.25
$26.25
$28.25
21
$24.50
$25.50
$26.50
$28.50
22
$24.75
$25.75
$26.75
$28.75
23
$25.00
$26.00
$27.00
$29.00
24
$25.25
$26.25
$27.25
$29.25
25
$25.50
$26.50
$27.50
$29.50
26
$25.75
$26.75
$27.75
$29.75
Job Title: Instructional Assistant III
Reports To/Supervisor: Campus Principal
Location: American River
Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt, Classified
Number of Working Days: 192 days
Work Calendar: 11 Month Hourly - 101 Days (+11 Holidays)
Salary/Pay Rate: On the Instructional Assistant Pay Scale
Summary/Objective
An Instructional Assistant III (IAIII) reports to the Principal and is responsible for assisting in the classroom with all students, including special education students as needed. IAIIIs work in collaboration with teachers and other school professionals and are crucial in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment wherever assigned. An Instructional Assistant III will spend a substantial portion of their time providing intervention to students who exhibit disruptive, aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviors associated with the ED or autistic designation with special needs, supporting them in their academic and personal growth under the supervision of the special education teacher. Collaboration with teachers and other professionals will be crucial in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Essential Functions
Classroom Environment & Safety
- Contribute to the creation and maintenance of a safe and nurturing learning environment that promotes emotional well-being and academic growth.
- Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment by promoting respect, understanding, and cooperation among all students, directing children in a positive and respectful environment.
- Monitor and observe the daily operation of classrooms for safety, positive interaction and productive educational activity.
- Notify Teacher and/or Administration of unusual circumstances to include infectious disease, injury, illness and accident.
- Adhere to state and government regulations appropriate to school operational procedures.
- Clean and sanitize all manipulative materials and apparatuses often (weekly).
- Maintain a neat and orderly classroom to include dusting, mopping and vacuuming as necessary.
- Complete required reports related to accidents and injuries in accordance with school policies.
- May be required to independently supervise small or large groups of students for brief periods (e.g., during lunch, recess, or transitions) without direct support from another adult.
Instructional & Academic Support
- Assist in the preparation and organization of classroom materials, resources, and activities.
- Support students during instructional activities, ensuring they are engaged, on task, and comprehending the material being presented.
- Coordinate with teachers for homework club, tutoring, student educational needs and extracurricular activities as necessary.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to modify assignments and assessments, as needed, to accommodate individual student requirements.
- Participate in meetings with teachers and other school professionals to discuss student progress, goals, and strategies, as necessary.
Student Support & Behavior Management
- Model appropriate social interactions with students and peers.
- Help manage classroom behavior by implementing strategies outlined in behavior intervention plans (BIPs), use Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to help teach and reinforce desired behaviors, and effectively de-escalate tense situations.
- Support students during assigned disciplinary measures, which may include in-house suspension and social isolation. Attentive supervision will contribute to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment for all students involved.
Special Education & Individualized Support
- Provide the highest level of support to students with more intensive needs (e.g., medically fragile students, students with more severe behaviors that may constitute a safety risk for the student or staff).
- Assist the classroom teacher in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and adapting curriculum materials to meet the diverse needs of students.
- Provide one-on-one and small group support to students with special needs, including those with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and other exceptionalities under the supervision of the teacher.
- If assigned as a 1:1 instructional aide, provide support to a specific student, helping the student succeed in the classroom and ensuring access to the curriculum alongside their peers. Provide assistance with daily tasks, such as personal care, mobility, and transitioning between activities.
- Complete the required toileting training and provide toileting support according to the guidelines for students as necessary.
- Coordinate with other IAs throughout the day to support the needs of multiple students when necessary.
Data, Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of student performance, behavior, and achievements, and contribute to progress reporting. Data collection will be supervised by case manager and/or CMP BCBA.
Professionalism & Development
- Attend relevant professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and stay up-to-date with best practices in special education.
- Must be CPI trained annually while employed with CMP.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Competencies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with students, teachers, and other professionals.
- Empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of students with diverse abilities.
- Ability to follow and implement instructions from teachers and specialists accurately.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in working with sensitive information.
Physical Demands
The role of an Instructional Assistant III involves various physical demands due to the nature of working with students. These demands may include:
- Mobility: Moving around the classroom, assisting students with mobility challenges, and transitioning between activities.
- Lifting: Occasionally lifting and assisting students with physical disabilities, as well as lifting and arranging classroom materials.
- Sitting and Standing: Engaging with students, teachers, and activities while both sitting and standing for extended periods.
- Physical Assistance: Providing support with personal care tasks, which might involve assisting with feeding, toileting, and other activities of daily living.
- Adapting to Student Needs: Quickly responding to unexpected situations, such as helping a student who is experiencing a behavioral challenge.
Travel Requirements
Minimal or None
Required Education and Experience
Associates Degree, 48 college educational units, or the ability to pass a paraprofessional exam
Preferred Education and Experience
- Special Education, or related field
- Montessori experience
AAP/EEO Statement: It is the policy of California Montessori Project to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy applies to all employment practices including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and termination.
Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Placement for this position will be on the IA III (Sped) Column.
Creditable Service for Instructional Assistant
Instructional Assistant Salary Scale allows for:
- 1 step for every year of full time, full year, equivalent experience, max of 8 years
Montessori Credits:
- Montessori applies only to fully completed certificate programs from accredited Montessori training centers.
Steps
IA I
IA I w/ Montessori
Credential
IA II
(Sped/TK)
IA III
(Sped)
1
$19.50
$20.50
$21.50
$23.50
2
$19.75
$20.75
$21.75
$23.75
3
$20.00
$21.00
$22.00
$24.00
4
$20.25
$21.25
$22.25
$24.25
5
$20.50
$21.50
$22.50
$24.50
6
$20.75
$21.75
$22.75
$24.75
7
$21.00
$22.00
$23.00
$25.00
8
$21.25
$22.25
$23.25
$25.25
9
$21.50
$22.50
$23.50
$25.50
10
$21.75
$22.75
$23.75
$25.75
11
$22.00
$23.00
$24.00
$26.00
12
$22.25
$23.25
$24.25
$26.25
13
$22.50
$23.50
$24.50
$26.50
14
$22.75
$23.75
$24.75
$26.75
15
$23.00
$24.00
$25.00
$27.00
16
$23.25
$24.25
$25.25
$27.25
17
$23.50
$24.50
$25.50
$27.50
18
$23.75
$24.75
$25.75
$27.75
19
$24.00
$25.00
$26.00
$28.00
20
$24.25
$25.25
$26.25
$28.25
21
$24.50
$25.50
$26.50
$28.50
22
$24.75
$25.75
$26.75
$28.75
23
$25.00
$26.00
$27.00
$29.00
24
$25.25
$26.25
$27.25
$29.25
25
$25.50
$26.50
$27.50
$29.50
26
$25.75
$26.75
$27.75
$29.75
Instructional Assistant Job Roles in California
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Search Instructional Assistant Jobs in CaliforniaInstructional Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and institutions sponsor visas for instructional assistants in California?
Large public school districts are the most common sponsors, including Los Angeles Unified School District, San Francisco Unified, and San Diego Unified. Community college districts such as Los Angeles Community College District and the Peralta Colleges in Oakland also hire instructional assistants. Private special education providers and charter school networks operating in California occasionally sponsor as well, though public districts account for the majority of documented sponsorships.
Which visa types are most common for instructional assistant roles in California?
The H-1B visa is the most common pathway, but it requires the employer to classify the instructional assistant role as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Some positions, particularly those supporting English language learners or students with disabilities, may meet this standard. The J-1 visa exchange visitor visa is another pathway used by educational institutions, often for short-term or teacher exchange program participants in support roles.
How to find instructional assistant visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find instructional assistant roles in California where employers have a documented history of visa sponsorship. You can filter specifically by state and role to surface relevant openings at school districts, community colleges, and private education providers. Because sponsorship availability varies widely by district and funding cycle, using a platform focused on sponsorship-verified listings saves significant research time.
Which cities in California have the most instructional assistant sponsorship jobs?
Los Angeles has the highest concentration by volume, driven by the sheer size of LAUSD and the surrounding network of charter and private schools. San Francisco and San Jose see activity through their unified school districts and the presence of nonprofit education organizations. Fresno and Sacramento are worth monitoring given their large English-learner student populations, which creates more consistent demand for multilingual instructional support staff.
Are there state-specific considerations for instructional assistant sponsorship in California?
California requires instructional assistants in many public school settings to hold a current paraprofessional certification or meet specific state credentialing standards, which can affect whether a role qualifies for H-1B specialty occupation classification. Districts in California are also subject to state prevailing wage determinations in addition to federal Department of Labor requirements. International candidates should verify that their degree and any foreign credentials meet California's specific requirements for the paraprofessional roles they are applying for.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored instructional assistant jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.