Early Childhood Associate Job Des Moines area,Iowa USA,Education / Teaching

Position: Early Childhood Associate-Jefferson Elementary for the 2026-27 School Year

Early Childhood Special Education Associate

This position is for the school year. The start of employment for this position will be August 14th, 2026.

Position Type:
Non Exempt

Hiring Specifications:

Required:

High School Diploma, G.E.D, or HiSET.
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Bachelor's Degree (BA), Associates Degree (AA), or a Para educator Certification I Generalist & Para educator Certification II Early Childhood.

Desired:

Experience working with preschool children in an early childhood program.
Basic computer skills.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

Basic Function:

Assist teachers in the instruction, supervision and care of all students. Abide by guidelines established for teacher associates of the District. The position requires continuous use of independent judgment. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the students and department.

Essential Functions:

Create an environment that is safe, nurturing and child-centered. Supervise students in all assigned areas. Contribute to curriculum planning and implementation. Eat meals or snacks with children, modeling appropriate etiquette and mealtime conversations. Participate in pre-service and in-service training that is consistent with program outcomes and professional development goals. Work with parents with guidance from a supervisor. Assist in recordkeeping, instruction, monitoring progress, and data collection.

Participate in first aid, CPR, mandatory child abuse, and all other training required by the school district. Participate in family orientation and parent meetings/IEP meetings as required. Under teacher direction, implement specific strategies to maintain/increase behavior and de-escalate inappropriate behavior. Follow behavior management plans for individual students. Clarify and reinforce teacher directions. Perform personal care duties such as feeding, toileting/diaper changes, and positioning.

Prepare and supervise students in bus loading/unloading.

Additional Essential Functions (for every DMPS position):

Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.

Maintain confidentiality.

Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.

Assist with other duties as may be assigned

Evaluates:
Not Applicable Position Inventory: B21

FLSA Status:
Full Time

FT/PT:
Full Time

Days: 190

Hours:

7.5

Physical Requirements:

Physical Demand:
Constant Standing, Walking.

Frequent Demands:
Bending/stooping, Reaching/pushing/pulling.

Occasional Demands:
Sitting, Lifting 20 lbs for 25 feet, telephone, computer.

Working Conditions:

Constant indoors, Frequent Outside, Occasional extreme temperature/humidity.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Approved By: MK

Date: 6/30/2026

Employee Benefits Information

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check. Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check.