What are the responsibilities and job description for the Classroom Associate - Findley Elementary - 2026-2027 School Year position at Des Moines Public School District?
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.
TITLE: Classroom Associate
POSTION TYPE: ASOC
HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:
Required:
- High School Diploma, G.E.D, or HiSET.
- One of the following: (1) 48 credit hours post-secondary education, (2) associate’s degree or higher,(3) paraeducator certification from the Board of Educational Examiners (or willingness to obtain within the first year of employment), (4) combined score of 150 or higher on the COMPASS test, or (5) a passing score on the AccuPlacer test.
Desired:
- Successful work or volunteer experience with disabled population.
- Supervisory experience with school-aged children.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
- Ability to relate to students.
- Ability to carry out duties cooperatively with others.
- Basic computer skills.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Supports the classroom teacher in the instruction and supervision of students. 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 building assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Assist with and support classroom teachers with reading and math instruction and small group intervention.
- Assist with daily activities and routines of students.
- Work collaboratively with teacher(s) using developmentally appropriate practices.
- Assist teacher in monitoring students' progress by keeping necessary records and giving feedback as
- requested.
- Follow teacher direction for instruction.
- Use positive reinforcement techniques and strategies to assist in managing behavior throughout the school
- routine including transition times and recess.
- Engage in on-going staff development.
- Model flexibility in duties as the needs of students change.
- Model enthusiasm and patience.
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: N/A
POSITION INVENTORY: B 21
FLSA STATUS: Non Exempt
FT/PT: Full time
DAYS: 190 HOURS: 7.5 per day
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Constant standing and walking
Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting (10lbs)
Occasional sitting, climbing stairs, carrying 20 feet
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mostly inside occassional outside in extremes of temperature and 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: BC
Date: 04/2026
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.