Preschool Teacher - Assistant

Autismcenter; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

8 holidays

Job summary

SARRC in Tempe, AZ is hiring an entry-level Preschool Assistant to support an inclusive classroom for children aged 15 months to 5 years. You will work with Lead and Senior Teachers and Behavior Therapists, help create lesson plans, and participate in play-based learning to promote social-emotional and cognitive development.

This full-time, on-site role offers two career pathways: into Lead or Senior Preschool Teacher and into Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) through the Community School

Qualifications

• Experience with preschool-aged children preferred.
• ASD or developmental disabilities experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care for children aged 15 months–5 years in a fast-paced environment.
• Implement inclusive practices to engage children of all ability levels.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and clean classroom environment.
• Lead and assist activities promoting social-emotional learning, physical coordination, and cognitive development.
• Support lesson planning and adapt approaches to individual learning styles.
• Facilitate transitions between activities using positive supports.
• Collaborate with Lead/Senior Teachers and Behavior Therapists and communicate with parents.

Skills

Childcare

Inclusive practices

Classroom management

Parent communication

Education

HS diploma or equivalent

ECE/ Psychology coursework preferred

Job description

Preschool Teacher - Assistant
Lead Positions Available!

Full-time/On-site

Are you energetic, playful, and passionate about early childhood? SARRC is looking for a Preschool assistantwho 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.

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.

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:

• 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.

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.

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.
  

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.