Preschool Instructional Assistant - Part Time - Zaharis Elementary School 2025-2026

Mesa Public Schools; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a dedicated Preschool Instructional Assistant to support the teaching staff in nurturing young minds. This part-time role involves assisting with classroom activities, providing instructional support, and ensuring a safe and engaging environment for preschool students. Ideal candidates will have experience with young children, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic and sometimes challenging setting. Join this award-winning district and contribute to shaping the future of education in your community!

Qualifications

• 6 months experience with preschool children and 60 credits in early childhood required.
• Good verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the supervision and instruction of preschool students.
• Support teachers in instructional tasks and maintain a positive learning environment.

Skills

Experience with preschool children

Verbal and written communication skills

Computer proficiency (Google platform)

Ability to work under stress

Organizational skills

Education

60 credits in early childhood

AA degree or higher

Tools

Google platform

Standard office machines

Job description

Preschool Instructional Assistant - Part Time

Mesa Public Schools is an award-winning district and voted Best Place to Work in Mesa. With over 9,000 employees, we are the largest school district in Arizona. Families have sent generations of students through our schools, as we are the premier educational choice in Arizona.

Base Rate: $19.64

Performance Pay: Available annually

New hire experience: 1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum

New hire education: 1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Class/Calendar: B21, 9.25 months

Hours: Part-time (29 hours per week)

FSLA: Non-Exempt

Benefits: None

OVERVIEW:

To assist (under direct supervision) in the supervision and instruction of preschool students; to provide assistance to the teacher in overall classroom activities; to assist the teacher in all areas of the daily school routine.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 6 months experience with preschool children and 60 credits in early childhood OR the ability to pass the parapro test.
• Ability to work well in stressful situations
• Ability to work well with young children, staff, and parents; good verbal and written communication skills; maintain confidentiality
• Computer proficiency to include basic abilities in using the district’s Google platform
• Ability to operate standard office machines
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload and to work with minimum supervision

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform a variety of instructional tasks, according to classroom teacher’s direction, to support teacher in the instructional process
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Assist students, individually or in groups, with activities to present and/or to reinforce learning concepts
• Confer with teachers, if requested by teacher, to assist in the evaluation of students’ progress in relation to established educational objectives
• Develop classroom materials (i.e. instructional activities, bulletin boards, reference materials, etc.) to provide assistance to teacher in support of lesson plans
• Assist in the collection of data on academic and behavior goals as instructed
• Maintain instructional equipment to ensure the availability of items when required
• Monitor individual students, classroom environment, playground activities, etc. to reinforce positive student behavior, to assist teacher in supervision of students and to ensure a safe and positive learning environment
• May be required to assist students who need support in addressing personal care needs due to an individual education plan
• Model professional, safe, responsible, and respectful behavior
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the classroom
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
• May lift, pull, push or carry
• May stand for a prolonged period of time
• Ability to work with children on the floor
• May move light weight furniture
• Ability to be exposed to outdoor elements
• Ability to move quickly
• May require strength to push/pull 30-35 lbs
• May require physical intervention for students experiencing behavioral difficulties
• Physical demands may require assistance from other personnel

Supervision:

Classroom Teacher

Site Administrator

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ORGANIZATION: The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or marital status.