Early Childhood Associate
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onEast Village, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, 50309, United States
This role is for the 2026-2027 school year, with employment beginning on August 14, 2026. As an Early Childhood Associate or EC Special Education Associate, you will serve as a vital support to teachers in the instruction, supervision, and care of students. The position requires the continuous use of independent judgment to create a safe, nurturing, and child-centered environment.
You will work alongside educators to implement curriculum strategies, manage student behavior, and support individualized needs. This is a full-time, non-exempt role spanning 190 days with a 7.5-hour daily schedule. Compensation is determined by skills, work experience, and education, based on the district's salary schedule.
Your day will involve a blend of direct student care and collaborative support. You will supervise students in all assigned areas, participate in pre-service and in-service training, and assist with recordkeeping and data collection. A significant portion of your time will be dedicated to personal care duties, such as feeding, toileting, and positioning, as well as modeling appropriate etiquette during meals.
You will also play a key role in community engagement by working with parents, participating in family orientations, and attending IEP meetings. Under the direction of a teacher, you will implement specific strategies to maintain positive behavior and de-escalate situations. Additionally, you will assist with logistical tasks such as preparing and supervising students during bus loading and unloading.
Candidates offered employment must successfully pass a criminal background check and a child and adult abuse registry check. Depending on the specific position, additional requirements may include fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test, and/or a motor vehicle record check.
The District is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the job proficiently. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Work model: On-site
East Village, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, 50309, United States
Des Moines, Iowa
Experience working with preschool children in an early childhood program. Basic computer skills.
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Skills: Child Development Associate, Bachelor's Degree, Associates Degree, Para Educator Certification I Generalist, Para Educator Certification Ii Early Childhood, Basic Computer Skills, First Aid, CPR.
Education: High School Diploma, G.E.D, or HiSET required; Bachelor's Degree (BA) preferred or equivalent credential; Associates Degree (AA) preferred or equivalent credential.
Des Moines Public Schools, based in Des Moines, Iowa, provides educational programs and administrative support to students from diverse backgrounds. With a focus on personalized learning, the district helps students transition from their current abilities to future aspirations through a broad curriculum designed to prepare them for higher education and careers. Serving a student body representing over 100 countries, the district emphasizes global perspectives to equip learners for real-world challenges. With a legacy spanning almost 120 years, the district combines respect for its history with forward-thinking educational strategies. Committed to fostering growth in central Iowa, Des Moines Public Schools prioritizes community engagement and academic excellence to support lifelong success.
Browse more roles: All Des Moines Public Schools jobs, teaching jobs on Recrutus.
Experience
Entry Level
Education
High School Diploma, G.E.D, or HiSET required
Job Type
Full-Time