Instructional Assistant-Special Needs, (Personal, SEALS, SPARK, PALS, PUPALS)- Various Sites

Young World Physical Education; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 20,664 - 24,796; Full time

Job summary

Tempe School District No.3 in Tempe, Arizona, is seeking an Instructional Assistant Senior – Special Needs to support students with IEP goals, assist teachers, and supervise students in various settings.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, with preferred AA/60 credits, IVP fingerprint clearance, and CPR/First Aid. Spanish fluency is a plus, and the position offers opportunities to work with diverse learners across sites.

Qualifications

• Education or experience equivalent to a high school diploma or GED.
• AA degree, 60 credits, or ParaPro score preferred.
• Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card required.
• Three years of experience with special needs children preferred.
• Ability to obtain Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, CPR, and First Aid certification.
• Special training in adaptive equipment may be required.
• Spanish fluency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist teacher with instructions, materials, and classroom setup.
• Assist teacher in meeting IEP goals.
• Assist and accompany student for inclusion in regular classrooms.
• Aid student with personal hygiene tasks as needed.
• Assist with feeding and cafeteria behavior as required.
• Support therapy staff and teach basic skills.
• Provide a safe environment for students to learn.
• Work one-on-one or in small groups to support learning.
• Monitor and supervise students in various settings; follow behavior plans.
• Prepare instructional materials and learning centers; organize files.

Skills

Special education knowledge

Student behavior management

Inclusion support

Bilingual Spanish

Communication skills

Classroom assistance

Record keeping

Education

High School Diploma or GED

AA degree / 60 credits / ParaPro score preferred

Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Three years experience with special needs children preferred

Certification in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, CPR, First Aid

Special training in adaptive equipment may be required

Spanish fluency preferred

Job description

Instructional Assistant-Special Needs, (Personal, SEALS, SPARK, PALS, PUPALS)- Various Sites

Tempe School District No.3, Various Sites - Tempe, Arizona.

Job Details

Job ID: 5830487

Application Deadline: Aug 14, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time)

Re-Posted: Jul 14, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

TITLE: Instructional Assistant Senior – Special Needs

JOB DESCRIPTION: Assist special education teachers with individualized instruction. Implement each child’s individualized education plan (I.E.P.). Assist students with personal needs such as toiletry, feeding, adaptive equipment, etc. Monitor student behavior.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education and/or experience equivalent to a High School Diploma or GED
• An AA degree, or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university, or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment (preferred)
• State of Arizona Identity Verified (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Three (3) years of experience working with special needs children (preferred)
• Ability to obtain certification in Nonviolent Physical Crisis Intervention, CPR, and First Aid
• Special training in the use of adaptive equipment (may be required upon hire)
• Ability to speak fluent Spanish (preferred)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists teacher with instructions, creation of classroom materials and classroom set up.
• Assist teacher in meeting individualized educational plan (I.E.P.) goals.
• Assist and accompany student for inclusion in regular classroom.
• Aid student with personal hygiene, including changing diapers and assisting with toilet training.
• Assist students in proper use of eating utensils and cafeteria behavior.
• Assist occupational therapist and speech therapist with teaching student as required.
• Provide a safe environment for special education students in which to learn.
• Works with students on a variety of subjects or in one-on-one or small group instruction.
• Monitor and supervise students in classroom, playground and cafeteria settings; utilize District behavior modification program as needed.
• Prepare instructional materials and visual aids; photocopy materials and documents.
• Prepare workstations or learning centers for children to work on daily lessons.
• Assist students with learning reading, writing and math skills.
• Assist in administering District and State tests.
• Assess student needs and modify lessons to provide appropriate help; document student progress.
• Collaborate with teachers to ensure lessons are appropriate for student.
• Organize and maintain teaching materials.
• Organize and file student work; plan for daily activities to meet specific needs of each child.
• May oversee class as required in teacher’s absence.
• Attend educational training as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge of special education student needs
• Knowledge of early childhood or adolescent learning methods and techniques
• Knowledge of District policies and procedures affecting assigned work
• Knowledge of District behavior modification program
• Knowledge of reading readiness skills and strategies
• Knowledge of testing procedures and State standards
• Skill working with special education students
• Skill assisting teachers with student learning
• Skill monitoring and assisting students
• Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Skill communicating orally and in writing
• Skill utilizing classroom supplies and equipment
• Skill in maintaining confidential files and records
• Skill administering tests
• Ability to work with culturally diverse students

WORKING CONDITIONS

Generally an indoor classroom setting. Position is exposed to infectious disease. Exposure to outside elements.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

Position may require climbing, stooping, standing, walking, lifting, keyboarding, talking, hearing, and eyestrain, with repetitive motions.

Position may require lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying furniture, equipment and supplies weighing up to 30-35 pounds infrequently and may require assistance from other personnel.

Work Year: 189 Days

Department/School: Elementary & Middle School

Reports To: Principal

Evaluation: Classified Personnel Evaluation

Supervises: N/A

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $15.50 Per Hour