Elementary Special Education Associate

Terms of Employment:  All student scheduled days for the 2025-26 school year, minimum $16.50/hour. 

Benefits: The Van Meter Community School District offers a comprehensive benefits package, including IPERS. Employees with proof of existing health insurance can choose to receive a monthly cash stipend in lieu of insurance. Employees receive 15 days of sick leave and 2 personal days each year.

Hours:  Monday - Thursday 7:45 AM - 3:45 PM Fridays 7:45 AM - 1:45 PM

Job Summary:

The Special Education Associate provides instructional, supervisory, and behavioral support to students with special needs in an elementary school setting, under the direction of certified teaching staff. This role is critical in helping students with disabilities achieve greater independence by assisting in the implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs) and fostering a positive learning environment. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Instructional Support: Assist students individually or in small groups with academic tasks, reinforce skills taught by the teacher, and help prepare instructional materials.
• Behavioral Support: Implement behavior management strategies as directed by the teacher, help de-escalate inappropriate behavior, and maintain a positive learning environment.
• Student Supervision: Supervise students in various settings, including classrooms, hallways, the lunchroom, and playgrounds. Serves as the chief source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
• Personal Care: Assist students with personal hygiene needs, such as toileting and feeding, as required.
• Data Collection: Assist in gathering data for student progress reports. Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of fully licensed teachers
• Professional Development: Commits to ongoing professional growth to support the unique needs of individual students. Participate in all required professional development and training sessions, such as CPI training. 
• Team Collaboration: Demonstrates collaborative skills in a team environment and demonstrates effective communication skills.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; AA degree or higher preferred.
• Previous experience working with children, particularly those with disabilities, is preferred.
• Ability to work cooperatively with students, teachers, and other staff.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow both written and oral directions and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency with basic computer skills, including word processing.
• Must pass a background check. 

Physical Demands:

• The ability to lift, carry, and position students with physical disabilities may be required.
• Must be able to perform duties in a school environment, which may include exposure to body fluids, noise, and emergency situations. 

For questions about a preschool or elementary associate position, please contact Elementary Principal Cody Tibbetts at cody.tibbetts@vmbulldogs.