Early Childhood Associate-For the 2026-27 School Year

THIS POSITION IS FOR THE

2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

The start of employment for this position will be August 14th, 2026.

There is a $2,000.00 hiring bonus for this position paid over 24 pay periods (1 year). Bonus is not applicable for current DMPS employees.

Candidates offered employment will be compensated based on skills, work experience and education.

Available Locations:

 McKee Educational Center 

TITLE: Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education Associate

CLASSIFICATION: Associate

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Associates degree or higher in early childhood education or related field or willingness to obtain certification listed below.
2. If the education requirements above are not met, candidate must be willing to obtain a Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

1. Ability to create an environment that is safe, nurturing, and child centered.
2. Ability to clarify and reinforce teacher directions.
3. Maintain confidentiality.
4. Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
5. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Early Childhood Associate assists teachers in the instruction, supervision, and care of all students. 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:

1. Supervise students during transitions, lunch, recess, and assist with bus loading/unloading.
2. Contribute to curriculum planning and implementation. Prepare and organize instructional materials and equipment with teacher guidance.
3. Supervise meals or snacks with children, modeling appropriate etiquette and mealtime conversations.
4. Follow behavior intervention plans as written in IEPs for individual students. Under teacher direction, implement specific strategies to maintain/increase appropriate behavior and de-escalate inappropriate behavior.
5. Assist the teacher in monitoring students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP) by maintaining records and providing feedback as requested.
6. Perform personal care duties such as feeding, toileting/diapering, and positioning.
7. Participate in all district and department required trainings, including first aid, CPR, and mandatory child and adult abuse training.
8. Participate in family orientation and parent or Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings as required.
9. Other duties, as assigned.

DEPARTMENT: Office of Schools

REPORTS TO: Building Administrator

HIGHEST LEVEL SUPERVISED: N/A
BARGAINING GROUP: DMEA ESP

FLSA STATUS: Non -Exempt

CALENDAR: 190 days / 7.5 hour day

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.  If you have questions, concerns or a complaint related to this policy, please contact Carol Wynn-Green, 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone: 515-242-7709; email: carol.wynngreen@dmschools.org. Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121, or Region VII Office for Civil Rights, Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475 Chicago, IL 60661-4544.

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. 

Approved By: Bryce Amos

Date: 06/12/2026

Salary : $18 - $23