Preschool Assistant Teacher

Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust Benefits Package

Paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Professional development budget

Job summary

A leading nonprofit organization in Phoenix, Arizona, seeks a passionate Preschool Assistant to facilitate play-based learning. In this role, you'll support an inclusive classroom for children, both with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ensuring each child feels safe and engaged. This entry-level position offers a pathway to advance as a teacher or into a clinical role. Benefits include a robust package, paid time off, and internal growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience working with preschool-aged children in settings like daycare or camp.
• Preferred experience with ASD or developmental disabilities.
• Strong communication skills with parents.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care for children aged 15 months – 5 years.
• Implement inclusive practices for all ability levels.
• Communicate professionally with parents regarding children’s progress.

Skills

Experience with preschool-aged children

Inclusiveness

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Coursework in Early Childhood Education or Psychology

Job description

Overview

Are you energetic, playful, and passionate about early childhood? SARRC is looking for a Preschool assistant who understands that for a preschooler, play is learning. In this role, you will be on the front lines of discovery, using play-based interactions to help children navigate their world. You will support an inclusive classroom where children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) learn side-by-side. Your primary goal is to ensure every child feels safe, seen, and engaged in the joy of learning.

This is an entry-level position designed to be a launchpad for your career in education or behavioral health. At SARRC, we believe in promoting from within and providing our staff with the tools to specialize. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to pursue two distinct professional pathways:

Pathways

• The Preschool Pathway: Advance into a Lead or Senior level Teacher role within our inclusive preschool environment.
• The Clinical ABA Pathway: Gain the foundational experience necessary to transition into a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) role within the Community School program.

Skills & Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care for children aged 15 months – 5 years in a fast-paced environment.
• Implement inclusive practices that ensure children of all ability levels are engaged and supported.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and clean classroom environment.

Instructional Assistance

• Lead and assist in activities designed to promote social-emotional learning, physical coordination, and cognitive development.
• Support the creation of lesson plans while adapting your approach to meet the unique learning styles of individual children.
• Help facilitate transitions between activities using positive supports.
• Work effectively alongside Lead and Senior Teachers, as well as Behavior Therapists.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with parents regarding their child’s daily progress and well-being.

Locations & Position Details

Tempe, AZ (75 E Warner Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284)

Candidates must possess the physical ability to perform the following tasks consistently throughout the workday:

• Prolonged Standing & Movement: Ability to stand, walk, and move dynamically around the classroom and playground for extended periods.
• Lifting & Transferring: Ability to safely lift, position, and transfer moderate amounts of weight as needed, and assist in crisis management or transition support.
• Bending, Squatting, Kneeling: Frequent ability to bend, squat, kneel, or sit on the floor to interact with children at their level.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Previous experience working with preschool-aged children (nanny/childcare, daycare, camp, or classroom settings) is preferred. Experience with ASD or developmental disabilities is a significant plus.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required; coursework in Early Childhood Education or Psychology preferred.

Benefits

• Robust Benefits Package
• Up to 16 days per year paid time off and 8 paid holidays
• Medical, dental and vision insurance (majority of coverage paid for by SARRC)
• 401(k) with 50% company match up to 6%
• Internal job growth opportunities - Lead and Senior Preschool Teacher
• Professional development annual benefit of $1000

Our Story

Established in 1997 by two mothers of children with autism and their developmental pediatrician, SARRC is an internationally recognized nonprofit with a mission to advance research and provide a lifetime of support for individuals with autism and their families. As the state of Arizona’s largest nonprofit serving the autism community, SARRC conducts innovative research, provides evidence-based practices, disseminates effective training, and builds inclusive communities.