Instructional Assistant Special Needs (SPARK) - Aguilar Elementary

Aguilar Elementary; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Aguilar Elementary in Tempe, AZ is seeking an Instructional Assistant Senior – Special Needs to support individualized instruction and IEP implementation. You will assist students with personal needs, including toileting and feeding, while aiding teachers with classroom setup and materials.

The role requires collaboration with therapists and teachers to adapt lessons for students with special needs, ensuring a safe learning environment and successful inclusion in regular classrooms.

Qualifications

• Education and/or experience equivalent to a High School Diploma or GED.
• 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)

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; photo copies 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.

Skills

IEP implementation

Classroom assistance

Spanish (preferred)

Education

High School Diploma or GED

AA degree or 60 credits or ParaPro

IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

3+ years special needs experience (preferred)

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention/CPR/First Aid cert.

Adaptive equipment training

Spanish fluency (preferred)

Job description

Instructional Assistant Special Needs (SPARK) - Aguilar Elementary

Tempe School District No.3 Aguilar Elementary - Tempe, Arizona Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Tempe Elementary Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5977746
Application Deadline: Nov 06, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time)
Posted: Oct 30, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

TITLE: Instructional Assistant Senior – Special Needs, Personal

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, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this class.

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; photo copies 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 in 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 eyesrain, 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

Job Requirements

Contact Information

• Matthew Strauss , Principal
• Aguilar Elementary
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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