Preschool Instructional Assistant - Substitute - Part Time - Early Learning

Position: Preschool Instructional Assistant - Substitute - Part Time - Early Learning 2025-2026
* Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.

* East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type:

Part-time ( hours per week)

Base Hourly:

$19.64

Class/Calendar:

B21, 9.25 months

Benefits:

None

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New Hire

Experience:

1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum

New Hire

Education:

1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Job Summary:

To assist, under direct supervision of certified teachers and specialists, in the monitoring and

instruction of special education students implementing the Individual Education Plans (IEP); to assist students in performing their academic, daily living and health care activities; to assist teacher of routine clerical tasks. Demonstrate capacity to operate independently with minimal input from the teacher.

Key Responsibilities:

* Deliver, under teacher's direction, classroom work/homework and/or reinforce classroom objectives, provide 1:1 and/or small group instruction tailored to student IEP goals

* Assist the development of instructional materials and maintenance of the classroom

* Proactively collect and monitor data related to academic and behavioral goals, demonstrating initiative and accountability while utilizing district-approved tools and systems

* Assist in modifying curriculum to meet individual learning needs

* Implement positive behavior intervention plans for students who display challenging behaviors including verbal and physical aggression

* Actively monitor and respond to problem behaviors according to the student's positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policy

* Act in accordance with district crisis intervention policy while implementing, ASPEN protocols, first aide, CPR (training provided)

* Model and maintain use of de-escalation strategies to support students in behavioral and emotional distress

* Transfer and/or lift non-ambulatory students to assist them in the performance of their daily activities

* Assist students with personal hygiene to provide for and/or develop students' daily living activities and behavioral skills

* Assist students who need support in addressing personal care needs due to a severe medical condition and/or physical limitations (i.e. toileting, diapering, feeding, dressing suctioning, etc) to ensure their functioning in a school environment

* Perform and act in accordance with training as required by the health office

* Accompany students as they transition across campus including but not limited to arrival and dismissal

* Monitor individual and/or small student groups in classroom and/or on the playground to maintain a safe and positive learning environment; facilitate peer interactions

* Maintain classroom and student equipment to ensure a safe environment

* Model professional, safe, responsible and respectful behavior

* Perform general clerical tasks to support the teacher in the maintenance of student files and to provide classroom materials

* Perform Medicaid billing in school programs (training provided)

* Participate in various meetings to share information and/or improve one's skills and/or knowledge

* Solicit feedback for continuous improvement and participate in professional learning and district led professional development

* Collaborate with the SPED team focused on meeting student IEP goals

* Regular and on-time attendance required

* Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit

* Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities

* Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

* Associate's degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire OR pass the Para Pro Test provided by the district free of charge

* 6 months experience with preschool children

Preferred Qualifications:

* High School Diploma or equivalent

* Previous experience and record of effectiveness in similar roles

Skills &

Competencies:

* Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate

* Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community

* Ability and willingness to work with special education students who may require specialized instruction to meet academic, social, and behavior goals

* Ability to work well in stressful situations

* Ability to work well with young children, staff and parents; good verbal and written communication skills; maintain confidentiality

* Computer proficiency to include basic abilities in using the district's Google platform

* Ability to operate standard office machines

* Ability to organize and prioritize…