Early Childhood Associate-Mitchell PreSchool for the 2026-27 School Year

Des Moines Public School District • Des Moines, IA

10h

About The Position

THIS POSITION IS FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR The start of employment for this position will be August 14th, 2026 The salary listed is based on the 2025-2026 school year salary schedule and is subject to change for the 2026-2027 school year. Candidates offered employment will be compensated based on skills, work experience and education. TITLE: Early Childhood Associate / EC Special Education Associate POSTION 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. Willingness to learn and earn any one of the above credentials by signing a Para Agreement. 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Willingness to learn and earn any one of the above credentials by signing a Para Agreement.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED