Developmental Preschool Instructional Assistant - Part-Time

Peoria Unified School District; Peoria (AZ); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

An educational institution in Peoria, AZ, is seeking a dedicated Special Education Instructional Assistant to support specialized educational programs across the campus. The role involves assisting teachers, empowering exceptional learners, and providing individualized attention to students. Ideal candidates will have an associate degree or higher, strong communication skills, and a passion for helping students thrive. This part-time position offers an opportunity to gain valuable experience while making a significant impact on students' lives.

Qualifications

• Must possess an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Pass a background clearance check.
• Complete training in CPR, First Aid, CPI, and specialized training for students with disabilities if needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering engaging and effective lessons.
• Monitor and assist students in classroom environments.
• Provide support in monitoring and intervening in student behaviors.

Skills

Classroom management

Communication skills

Behavior management

Assisting students

Education

Associate degree or higher

At least 48 semester hours of post-secondary education

Job description

Position Details

• Job ID: 23221
• Position Type: Part-Time (4 days)
• Location: Sundance Elementary, Peoria, AZ
• Closing Date: 02/27/2026

Job Summary

Join our team and shape the minds of tomorrow: Are you passionate about education and helping students thrive? Peoria Unified School District is seeking dedicated individuals to support our exceptional learners. As a Special Education Instructional Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting specialized educational programs across your campus while working closely with experienced educators.

Key Opportunities

• Empower Exceptional Learners: Assist teachers in delivering engaging and effective lessons that provide individualized attention to students and create a positive learning environment.
• Develop Important Career Skills: Build communication, classroom management, and collaboration skills through hands‑on experience.
• Take Pride in Your Role: Find fulfillment knowing your daily efforts directly contribute to student growth and achievement.
• Advance Your Career: Use this role to gain specialized experience and form close working relationships with teachers.

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Meet the needs of all students with disabilities on campus under the direction of school administration and special education teams.
• Monitor and assist students in multiple classroom environments to complete tasks, stay focused and provide accommodations per the Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Cover for absences for Classroom Independence Assistants (CIAs) and assistants in specialized programs.
• Assist in teaching and modeling workplace skills and positive behaviors.
• Assist students in daily living skills such as feeding, toileting, and mobility.
• Provide support in monitoring, intervening, and redirecting student behaviors; act to prevent and deescalate behavior.
• Utilize and assist students with utilization of assistive technology.
• Assist in data collection related to IEP goals.
• Lead individual and small‑group activities with students under teacher direction.
• Facilitate communication between general education and special education teachers.
• Escort students to and from classes, activities, and transportation buses as needed.
• Maintain documentation and records for student files; maintain and update computer files.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including but not limited to playground or cafeteria monitoring.
• Prepare instructional materials and copies; prepare and distribute learning materials according to teacher direction; assist students to use educational tools.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county, and city statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated understanding of the unique needs and characteristics of students with disabilities (e.g., Specific Learning Disability, Other Health Impaired, Emotional Disability).
• Knowledge of principles of classroom and behavior management.
• Knowledge of principles of record, file, and database management.
• Knowledge of principles of child development stages and developmental delays.
• Demonstrated flexibility, common sense, and good judgment.
• Skill in following oral and written directions.
• Skill in identifying, preventing, and deescalating negative behaviors.
• Skill in assisting students in progressing on IEP goals.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co‑workers, vendors, students, parents, and the general public.
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Hold an associate (or higher) degree, or
• Have at least two years of post‑secondary education equivalent to at least 48 semester hours from an accredited institution, or
• Have met a rigorous standard of quality by demonstrating knowledge on a Paraprofessional Assessment available at the Peoria Unified School District Office.

Other Requirements

• Must possess or obtain an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Must be able to pass a background clearance check.
• Must be able to provide a Social Security number for AHCCS provider.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Arizona driver’s license.
• Must be able to complete training in CPR, First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI), and specialized training for students with disabilities if needed.
• May be required to demonstrate fluency in English: written and oral communications.
• May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies and materials up to 20 pounds.
• May be required to lift students weighing up to 60 pounds.
• May be required to work outside normal working hours.
• May be required to travel to perform work functions.
• Preference will be given to candidates with prior working experience with high‑risk students with special needs.