Posting Date 08/21/26 Application Deadline Open Until Filled Pay Range $16.00 - $22.00 hourly Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours worked over 40 in the designated workweek. Job Type Contractor with Benefits Department Human Services About the Position Do you want to make a difference in a child’s life? As an Assistant Teacher, you will work with Birth to Five or Head Start teaching teams to implement 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 welcoming classrooms are 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 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 array 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, with the option to earn a wellness incentive payback of $60 per month. Be the spark that lights our children’s future, and become an assistant teacher! Classroom Locations for Assistant Teacher (Contract) * 466 S Bellview, Mesa, AZ 85204 * 1601 W Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201 * 545 N Horne Ave, Mesa, AZ 85203 About Us The Maricopa County Human Services Department (HSD) builds resiliency in the community and promotes the well-being of County residents experiencing adversity through a variety of programs and services to help people and families thrive. These opportunities include early childhood education, housing, homeownership, independent living services for seniors and adults with disabilities, career development for job seekers with barriers to employment, crisis rental and utility assistance, and support for people experiencing homelessness. HSD is committed to delivering innovative and comprehensive services in a collaborative approach that preserves dignity, promotes respect, and facilitates social and economic mobility. In 2025, the Human Services Department was the proud recipient of 23 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo), highlighting the Department’s commitment to providing support for low-income and at-risk communities.  Maricopa County Human Services was honored for a wide variety of programs showcasing their valuable work including Regional Solutions to Homelessness in Rural and Underserved Communities, Pathway to Rapid Reemployment, Tonopah Fire Station Improvements, Refugee Relocation Assistance Program, Early Education Division’s EVIT Expanded Partnership, and several other initiatives. Join our team and unlock your potential! 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 * Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club [https://www.maricopa.gov/6007/Other-Benefits#:~:text=Even%20though%20MCKids%20Club%20isn,facilities%20starting%20November%201%2C%202023.], dedicated to serving Maricopa County families * Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave * An extensive wellness program, including an incentive * Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 11.98% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1 * Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more!  Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ [https://www.maricopa.gov/5954/Love-What-You-Do] 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 of 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 * Bilingual skills in English and Spanish Job Contributions * Supervise children at all times in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Program policies to ensure their safety and well-being * Maintain a safe and healthy indoor/outdoor classroom environment per program policies and procedures * Navigate and utilize a variety of digital platforms and applications for data entry, documentation, and communication * Assist 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 * Support and promote each child’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development * Completion and entry of child assessment level observations, developmentally appropriate screenings, and other data entry  * Assist the Teacher in conducting family orientations, parent/teacher conferences, and home visits * Develop and maintain positive relationships with each family, site team members, community agencies, community partners, and grantee staff members * Stay 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 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 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 part-year, 10-month work schedule that is from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, Monday–Friday * Work is performed in a classroom, playground, and office environment as assigned and is subject to change based on the program's needs * 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 have reliable transportation and have the ability to travel from different county locations as required * Must be able to lift and move up to 40 pounds * Must be able to stand, sit on the floor, stand up from a seated position on the floor quickly, squat, bend, stoop, walk, and run short distances * Be able to spend work indoors and outdoors for extended periods * Possible exposure to bodily fluids and infectious disease * Ability to work with children with special needs, IEPs, 504s, and various medical conditions * May be required to fill in as a substitute staff member at another program site Selection Procedure * 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 and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov [MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov?subject=ADA%20Accommodations] to initiate the interactive process.   Apply Now!