Instructional Assistant, Early Childhood (Head Start)

Thigpen-Zavala Elementary School; McAllen (TX); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

McAllen Independent School District - Thigpen-Zavala Elementary School in McAllen, Texas seeks an Instructional Assistant, Early Childhood (Head Start) to support the teacher and student success.

Starting immediately, you will reinforce instruction, supervise students, assist with clerical tasks and prepare instructional materials, working in a safe, welcoming classroom environment. The position is full-time with 187 workdays, paying $14.00 to $19.34 per hour.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree or 48 college hours required.
• Paraprofessional Certification preferred (required upon employment).
• Ability to speak English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Reinforce instruction with groups of students.
• Assist teacher in maintaining a safe, attractive classroom environment that is conducive to learning.
• Assist in supervising students throughout the workday.
• Assist the teacher with clerical duties and record keeping.
• Assist with the preparation of instructional materials.
• Operate equipment to augment ongoing instruction by the teacher.
• Follow McAllen ID customer service standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Interpersonal skills

Classroom support

Education

High School Diploma

Associate degree / 48 college hours

Paraprofessional Certification

Tools

Basic computer skills

First Aid/CPR

Job description

Instructional Assistant, Early Childhood (Head Start)

McAllen Independent School District Thigpen-Zavala Elementary School - McAllen, Texas Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in McAllen Independent School District

Job Details

Job ID: 5839358

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Jul 17, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Assist the teacher in the preparation, instruction and management of activities which will enhance student success.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

High School Diploma or equivalent, required

Associate degree or a minimum of 48 college hours, required

Paraprofessional Certification, preferred (required upon employment)

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to work cooperatively with students and adults; strong interpersonal skills; ability to speak, read, write and follow written and oral instructions in English and in Spanish; First Aid and CPR Training, preferred; basic computer skills, preferred

Experience:

Experience working with children, preferred

Days:187

Hourly Pay Range:

Minimum: $14.00

Maximum: $19.34

Note:Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Reinforce instruction with large and small groups of students.
• Assist teacher in maintaining a safe, attractive classroom environment that is conducive to learning.
• Assist in supervising students throughout the workday.
• Assist the teacher with clerical duties and record keeping.
• Assist with the preparation of instructional materials.
• Operate equipment to augment ongoing instruction by the teacher.
• Follow McAllen ID customer service standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer, copiers, multimedia equipment and other classroom/office machines

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Various body movements to facilitate instruction (i.e. dancing, running, bending, skipping, etc.); occasional lifting and/or moving up to 45 pounds and over; ability to provide for sanitation needs and student hygiene as required; assist in the restraining of students in crisis situations.

Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $14 to $19.34 Per Hour

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Marisela Chapa , Principal
• Thigpen-Zavala Elementary School
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]