Preschool Instructional Assistant – Substitute – Early Learning

• 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.

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.

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 a safe 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 development
• Collaborate 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience and record of effectiveness in similar roles

Skills & Competencies:

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Ability and willingness to work with special education students who may require specialized instruction to meet academic, social, and behavior goals
• 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

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Works closely with special education teachers, general education staff, therapists, and administrators
• May be in resource rooms, inclusion settings, or self-contained classrooms
• Supports students with disabilities, which may include intellectual, developmental, emotional, or physical disabilities
• Each day can vary based on student needs, schedules, behavior, and support plans
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, bend, and kneel frequently throughout the day
• May need to lift or assist students who have physical disabilities including transferring students to and from wheelchairs, standing frames, or other equipment (commonly 25-50 lbs, but sometimes more)

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.