Diagnostician, Classroom Observation Specialist
Cognitive Diagnostic Associates (CDA) specializes in comprehensive Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) for students with complex learning, developmental, behavioral, and educational needs. Our evaluations are more forensic in nature than traditional school-based assessments. Our multidisciplinary teams examine educational records, assessment data, services, programming, and the student’s functioning within the school environment to develop comprehensive and defensible evaluations.
Position: Diagnostician, Classroom Observation Specialist
Location: Southern California, Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County
Job Type: Part-Time, Flexible
Compensation: $25/hour, plus mileage reimbursement
ABOUT THE POSITION
CDA is seeking a Diagnostician to conduct classroom observations for students undergoing Independent Educational Evaluations.
This is an observation-only position. There is no diagnostic testing required.
The primary responsibility is to travel to students’ schools during the school day (M-F), conduct structured classroom observations, unstructured playground observations and document objective behavioral and educational observations for CDA’s evaluating practitioners.
Observations take place throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County. Applicants must have daytime availability during regular school hours and be comfortable driving throughout these areas.
Mileage is reimbursed for approved travel.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Conduct structured classroom observations during the school day.
- Observe students across educational settings as requested by the evaluating practitioner.
- Document objective information regarding student engagement, attention, behavior, communication, peer interactions, instructional access, classroom supports, and other relevant areas.
- Provide organized observation notes to the CDA evaluating practitioner.
- Communicate with the CDA team regarding observation scheduling and completion.
- Travel to public and private schools throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County.
- Maintain professional and confidential practices when working within school environments.
This role is specifically focused on classroom observations and documentation to support CDA’s multidisciplinary IEE evaluations.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in psychology, education, child development, school psychology, educational psychology, or a related field.
- Experience working with or observing school-age children.
- Strong observational and written documentation skills.
- Ability to distinguish objective behavioral observations from interpretation.
- Professional communication skills when interacting with school personnel.
- Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County.
- Daytime availability during regular school hours.
- Strong organization and ability to manage observation appointments independently.
This is a classroom observation and data-collection position. The Classroom Observation Specialist does not independently conduct an IEE, administer standardized assessments, render diagnoses, determine special education eligibility, make clinical or educational recommendations, or sign evaluation reports. Observations are completed at the direction of and incorporated into the evaluation by the qualified CDA practitioner responsible for the IEE.
WHY CDA
CDA’s Independent Educational Evaluations often involve complex educational cases requiring detailed analysis across multiple disciplines. Classroom observation provides an important source of real-world data regarding how a student functions within the educational environment.
The Diagnostician works as part of a multidisciplinary team that may include school neuropsychologists, educational psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, behavior specialists, and other professionals.
This position is well suited for someone seeking flexible, part-time professional work without carrying a traditional testing caseload. Observation assignments vary based on current IEE cases and school schedules.
Cognitive Diagnostic Associates is an equal opportunity employer. We value a professional, collaborative, and inclusive working environment.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
