Job Description

About the Position
Do you want to make a difference in a child's life? As an Assistant Teacher, you will support Birth to Five or Head Start teaching teams in implementing active learning and ongoing assessment of development for preschool-age children. We will count on you to engage in developmentally appropriate individualized experiences and create a safe and nurturing environment. As an Assistant Teacher, you will be part of a team that helps build stronger families and brighter tomorrows for our youngest residents of Maricopa County.
Our classrooms are welcoming and designed for interactive learning by children and their families. We offer a low teacher-to-student ratio of 1:10 with 20 students per Head Start classroom, to provide the greatest opportunity for a healthy and effective learning environment. Did we mention that the county provides all supplies and equipment needed to support our teaching staff? We also offer being part of a compassionate team of early education professionals who believe in the mission of preparing these children for future school success.
As an Assistant Teacher, you will be eligible for a vast arrangement of benefits, including but not limited to:

• Paid continuing education, professional development, and tuition reimbursement
• Paid Child Development Association Certification (CDA) that you can earn on the job! With this certification, you can grow in your Head Start career by advancing into teaching positions.
• Amazing health and wellness programs, including Pet Insurance! Our health insurance plans are more than competitive, and you can earn a wellness incentive payback of $60 per month.

Be the spark that lights our children's future, and become an assistant teacher!
About Us
Together, we can thrive.
In Human Services, we focus on maximizing potential and providing support and resources for all stages of life. We partner with families and communities to encourage children to learn, invite youth and adults to cultivate professional skills, guide families to achieve financial success, and enable seniors to live independently.
Join our team and unlock your potential.
Floating Locations:

• Bellview - 466 S. Bellview, Mesa, AZ 85202
• First Presbyterian Church - 161 N Mesa Drive Mesa, AZ 85201
• First United Methodist Church - 15 E 1st Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210
• Guadalupe Child Development Center - 9401 S. Avenida Del Yaqui, Guadalupe, AZ 85283
• La Mesita Head Start - 2254 W Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201
• North Tempe Multi-Generational Center - 1555 N Bridalwreath Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
• Paiute Community Center - 6535 E. Osborn Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
• SonRise Faith Community Center, Inc. - 800 W Galveston Street, Chandler, AZ 85225
• Westside Generational Center - 715 W 5th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts
• Employee discounts for goods and services
• Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12.27% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
• Learn more at

We Require

• Six months of experience working with young children aged birth to 5 OR
• Six months of practicum hours through an early childhood education program OR
• Six months volunteering in an Early Head Start/Head Start program
• High school diploma or GED

We Also Value

• Current or former Early Head Start and Head Start parents
• One year of work experience in a licensed childcare facility (age birth to 5) or practicum hours through an early childhood education program or volunteering in an Early Head Start/Head Start program or any combination
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

Job Contributions

• Supervises children at all times in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Program policies to ensure their safety and well-being
• Assists the Teacher in the planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate and educationally enriching early childhood activities in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, childcare licensing, and program policies and procedures
• Supports and promotes each child's physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with each family, site team members, community agencies, community partners, and grantee staff members
• Stays current on educational techniques and developmentally appropriate practices relating to early childhood development
• Work effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds, and those with disabilities and special needs
• Completion and entry of child assessment level observations and developmentally appropriate screenings

Working Conditions

• Must complete a background check and fingerprint identification upon hire to secure and maintain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Must be able to pass a medical exam that includes screening for TB, as required by Federal and State regulations, to be free of communicable disease, and must have received the following vaccinations: (MMR) Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Tetanus if not current, to assure no significant risk exists to the health or safety of others
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Arizona driver's license by the time of hire
• Must obtain a CPR, first aid, and food handler's certification within six weeks of hire
• Must complete Child Development Association Certification (CDA) within six months of hire. Maricopa County will pay for CDA courses and testing fees for the certification
• On-site coaching and support and paid time to work on courses and other certification requirements will be available
• Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish may be required for some positions
• The position follows a full-year schedule that is typically comprised of 2088 hours annually
• Work is performed in a classroom, playground, and office environment as assigned and is subject to change based on the program's need
• May require travel to and from job-related locations during a scheduled workday, subject to County policies regarding the use of County vehicles or private vehicles used on County business
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds
• Must be able to stand, sit on the floor, and be indoors and outdoors for extended periods
• Possible exposure to bodily fluids and infectious disease
• May be required to fill in as a substitute staff member at another program site
• Ability to work with children with special needs, IEPs, 504s, and various medical conditions

Selection Procedure

• Only the most qualified candidates will be considered
• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.
JR14908* 1/7/25; 1/24/25; 4/2/25
We offer generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and 10 paid holidays! We have affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance, and our employees are entitled to coverage by one of several State-sponsored retirement pension plans, our employee assistance program, and wellness incentives. Additionally, our employees have the option of life insurance, disability, a group legal plan, and pet insurance.

Skills Required