Early Childhood Associate - Capitol View Elementary - 26/27 School Year

Des Moines Public School District • Des Moines, IA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is for the 2026-2027 school year, with employment beginning on August 14th, 2026. Candidates will be compensated based on skills, work experience, and education. The Early Childhood Associate / EC Special Education Associate role is a Non-Exempt position. The basic function of this role is to assist teachers in the instruction, supervision, and care of all students, adhering to guidelines established for teacher associates of the District. This position requires continuous use of independent judgment. The essential functions represent key areas of responsibility, and specific requirements may vary based on student and department needs.

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.
• Basic computer skills.

Nice To Haves

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

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