Preschool Instructional Assistant - Part Time - Eisenhower Center of Innovation

Mesa USD 4 • Mesa, AZ

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Preschool Instructional Assistant works under the direct supervision of certified teachers and specialists to monitor and instruct special education students while implementing their Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The role supports students’ academic, daily living, and health care activities and assists teachers with routine clerical tasks. The assistant is expected to work independently with minimal input from the teacher.

This is a part-time position of 29 hours per week for 9.25 months. The base hourly rate is $19.89. Benefits are not offered. Annual performance pay is available. New hires may receive an additional 1% of the base hourly rate for each year of verified like experience beyond the requirement, up to ten years, and 1% for an associate degree or higher if that degree is not required for the position.

The assistant works closely with special education teachers, general education staff, therapists, and administrators. Work may take place in resource rooms, inclusion settings, or self-contained classrooms, supporting students with intellectual, developmental, emotional, or physical disabilities. Work conditions and daily activities vary according to student needs, schedules, behaviors, and support plans.

Requirements

• Associate degree or 60 college credit hours at time of hire, or pass the district-provided ParaPro Test.
• Six months of experience with preschool children.
• Ability and willingness to work with special education students who may need specialized instruction to meet academic, social, and behavioral goals.
• Ability to work well in stressful situations and with young children, staff, and parents.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Basic computer proficiency, including use of the district’s Google platform.
• Ability to operate standard office machines.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload and work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, and kneel frequently throughout the day.
• Ability to lift or assist students with physical disabilities, including transfers to and from wheelchairs, standing frames, or other equipment; commonly 25–50 pounds and sometimes more.
• Regular and on-time attendance.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience and a record of effectiveness in similar roles.
• Associate degree or higher, if not required for the position, may qualify for an additional 1% of the base hourly rate.

Responsibilities

• Deliver classroom work or homework under teacher direction and reinforce classroom objectives through individualized or small-group instruction aligned with student IEP goals.
• Assist with developing instructional materials and maintaining the classroom.
• Collect and monitor academic and behavioral goal data using district-approved tools and systems.
• Assist in modifying curriculum to meet individual learning needs.
• Implement positive behavior intervention plans, monitor and respond to problem behaviors according to student plans and district crisis intervention policy, and use de-escalation strategies.
• Follow district crisis intervention policy and ASPEN protocols, and apply first aid and CPR training.
• Transfer or lift non-ambulatory students and assist them with daily activities.
• Support students’ personal hygiene and daily living activities, including personal care for students with severe medical conditions or physical limitations.
• Perform health-related duties in accordance with required training and the health office’s direction.
• Accompany students during transitions across campus, including arrival and dismissal.
• Monitor individual students or small groups in classrooms and on playgrounds to maintain a safe, positive learning environment and facilitate peer interactions.
• Maintain classroom and student equipment to ensure a safe environment.
• Model professional, safe, responsible, and respectful behavior.
• Perform general clerical tasks, maintain student files, and prepare classroom materials.
• Perform Medicaid billing in school programs after training.
• Participate in meetings, seek feedback for continuous improvement, and take part in professional learning and district-led professional development.
• Collaborate with the special education team to meet student IEP goals.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Perform other related duties and assist other personnel as assigned to support the work unit and Mesa Public Schools.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree