SPARK: Special Needs Instructional Assistant

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

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.