Instructional Assistant - Head Start

Head Start; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington Elementary School District 6 Head Start in Phoenix, AZ seeks an Instructional Assistant to support teachers in a developmentally appropriate setting. You will supervise children, assist in managing activities, and help maintain the classroom and materials across Preschool/Head Start sites.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, 6 months’ experience with children, and a valid health/TB clearance, plus CPR/First Aid within 30 days.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED prior to hire.
• Six months experience working with children in a learning environment or equivalent education/experience.
• Possession of a Child Development Associate or Certificate of Completion, or obtain within two years of hire.
• Health examination clearance prior to hire.
• TB testing clearance prior to hire.
• Arizona Driver's License.
• First Aid certification within 30 days of hire.
• CPR certification within 30 days of hire.
• Arizona Food Handler’s License within 30 days of hire.
• AZ Identity Verified Prints Fingerprint Clearance Card (IVP FPCC).

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in daily activities and supervise children.
• Maintain an environment that supports cooperation, learning and enjoyment.
• Prepare classrooms and materials for activities; clean up after activities and perform clerical duties as assigned.
• Assist students moving between classrooms and areas (playground, library, cafeteria, restrooms).
• Promote positive behavior and self-esteem using appropriate methods.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Understand child development

Working with children

Safety and health

Classroom preparation

Lesson plan reading/following

Interpersonal communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Child Development Associate or certificate

Job description

Instructional Assistant - Head Start

Washington Elementary School District 6 Head Start - Phoenix, Arizona Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Washington Elementary School District

Job Details

Job ID: 5687169

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: May 04, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Pay Grade: A (Non-Exempt Support Staff Salary Placement)

Department: Preschool-Head Start Services

Accountable To: Administrator of Head Start

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Calendar: 195 days

Creation/Revision Date: July 1, 2020

Summary: Under direct supervision, incumbents provide assistance to teachers in a developmentally appropriate environment by providing supervision of children’s activities, working with students individually or in groups. Incumbent(s) are given direction and work at various Preschool/Head Start classrooms in WESD to meet teacher/child ratios.

Essential Functions:

• Works with students individually or in groups in daily activities. Under the supervision of the Head Start Teacher or Support Instructor monitors student behavior and enforces school and classroom standards and policies to insure safety at all times.
• Maintains an environment which promotes cooperation, learning and enjoyment.
• Prepares classrooms for activities including setting up tables and chairs, and preparing materials for classroom use. Performs clean up after activities including picking up toys and trash and washing tables and chairs. Performs clerical duties as assigned by Head Start Teacher.
• Accompanies students from classrooms to other areas including the playground, library, cafeteria and rest rooms.
• Establishes and maintains standards of acceptable behavior using positive methods which support children’s self esteem.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary.

• Possession of valid High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (G.E.D.) prior to hire;
• Six months experience working with children in a learning environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Possess a Child Development Associate or Certificate of Completion or obtain possession within two years of the date of hire.
• Possession of valid Health Examination clearance prior to hire;
• Possession of valid TB Testing clearance prior to hire;
• Possession of valid Arizona Department of Transportation Driver’s License;
• Possession valid First Aid certificate within 30 days of hire;
• Possession of valid CPR certificate within 30 days of hire;
• Possession of valid Arizona Food Handler’s License Certification within 30 days of hire date.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ IVP FPCC).

Knowledge and Skills Required:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications for this job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills required, but not limited to, for this position include:

• Understanding child development and curriculum related to early childhood;
• Working with children
• Knowing safety and health issues;
• Preparing classroom for various activities;
• Readying and following lesson plans;
• Applying school rules, policies and procedures;
• Typical activities within a developmentally appropriate classroom environment;
• Knowledge of school rules, policies and procedures regarding discipline;
• Interpersonal communication skills while interacting with supervisors, staff, students, etc. to exchange information.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Stooping, kneeling crouching, crawling reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, sunning, seeing and repetitive motions.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and /or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and /or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Working Conditions:

The working environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Washington Elementary School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act Title VII of 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Washington Elementary School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in employment or in any of its educational programs or in the provisions of benefits and services to students.

Position Type: Full & Part-time

Salary: $15.15 to $17.12 Per Hour

Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Individual Aide

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Support Staff > Supervisory Aide

Contact Information

• Lydia Garcia
• 4650 W Sweetwater Ave
• Glendale, Arizona 85304
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]