Preschool Instructional Assistant - Substitute - Part Time - Early Learning

Mesa Public Schools; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Mesa Public Schools in Mesa, Arizona is seeking a Preschool Instructional Assistant - Substitute for Early Learning. You will assist certified teachers, support students with IEP goals, and help with daily living activities while maintaining a safe classroom.

The role is part-time, on-site, with a base hourly rate of $19.89. Requirements include an Associate degree or 60 college credits or ParaPro Test, plus about 6 months of preschool experience.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or 60 college credits required or ParaPro Test.
• At least 6 months experience with preschool children.

Responsibilities

• Deliver classroom work and reinforce objectives 1:1 or in small groups.
• Assist development of instructional materials and maintain the classroom.
• Proactively collect and monitor data on academic and behavioral goals.
• Modify curriculum to meet individual learning needs.
• Implement positive behavior support plans for students.
• Supervise transitions and maintain a safe, positive learning environment.
• Assist with health and daily living activities as needed.
• Collaborate with SPED team to meet IEP goals.

Skills

Preschool experience

IEP support

Education

Associate’s degree or 60 college credit hours

ParaPro Test

Job description

Preschool Instructional Assistant - Substitute - Part Time - Early Learning

Mesa USD 4 Early Learning - Mesa, Arizona Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5961443
Application Deadline: Oct 21, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time)
Posted: Oct 15, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

• Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type:

As Needed

Base Hourly:

$19.89

Class/Calendar:

B21, 9.25 months

Benefits:

None

Job Summary:

To assist, under direct supervision of certified teachers and specialists, in the monitoring and instruction of special education students implementing the Individual Education Plans (IEP); to assist students in performing their academic, daily living and health care activities; to assist teacher of routine clerical tasks. Demonstrate capacity to operate independently with minimal input from the teacher.

To assist students in the performing their academic, daily living and health care activities; to assist teacher of routine clerical tasks. Demonstrate capacity to operate independently with minimal input from the teacher.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver, under teacher’s direction, classroom work/homework and/or reinforce classroom objectives, provide 1:1 and/or small group instruction tailored to student IEP goals
• Assist the development of instructional materials and maintenance of the classroom
• Proactively collect and monitor data related to academic and behavioral goals, demonstrating initiative and accountability while utilizing district-approved tools and systems
• Assist in modifying curriculum to meet individual learning needs
• Implement positive behavior intervention plans for students who display challenging behaviors including verbal and physical aggression
• Actively monitor and respond to problem behaviors according to the student’s positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policy
• Act in accordance with district crisis intervention policy while implementing, ASPEN protocols, first aide, CPR (training provided)
• Model and maintain use of de‑escalation strategies to support students in behavioral and emotional distress
• Transfer and/or lift non‑ambulatory students to assist them in the performance of their daily activities
• Assist students with personal hygiene to provide for and/or develop students’ daily living activities and behavioral skills
• Assist students who need support in addressing personal care needs due to a severe medical condition and/or physical limitations (i.e. toileting, diapering, feeding, dressing suctioning, etc) to ensure their functioning in a school environment
• Perform and act in accordance with training as required by the health office
• Accompany students as they transition across campus including but not limited to arrival and dismissal
• Monitor individual and/or small student groups in classroom and/or on the playground to maintain asafe and positive learning environment; facilitate peer interactions
• Maintain classroom and student equipment to ensure a safe environment
• Model professional, safe, responsible and respectful behavior
• Perform general clerical tasks to support the teacher in the maintenance of student files and to provide classroom materials
• Perform Medicaid billing in school programs (training provided)
• Participate in various meetings to share information and/or improve one’s skills and/or knowledge
• Solicit feedback for continuous improvement and participate in professional learning and district led professional developmentCollaborate with the SPED team focused on meeting student IEP goals
• Regular and on‑time attendance required
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire OR pass the ParaPro Test provided by the district free of charge
• 6 months experience with preschool children