Preschool Educational Associate (part-time)

Ames Community School District is a supportive community dedicated to personal and professional growth, offering competitive pay, employee discount programs, modern facilities, and career advancement opportunities through the "Grow Your Own" initiative and Purple Pathways program.

About the role

Northwood Preschool is seeking part-time Special Education Educational Associates for the 2026-2027 school year. Under the supervision of an administrator and special education teacher, you will assist in educating students, including instructional support, behavior management, recordkeeping, classroom safety, and communication with students and staff. This role provides direct and indirect educationally related services to disabled students and helps create a positive learning environment.

Schedule

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
8:15 am to 3:15 pm

Responsibilities

• Assists students in interpreting and following teacher directions.
• Assists students with classroom assignments during independent work time and/or workstations.
• Works with individual students or groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills prepared by the teacher.
• Accompanies and assists students in integrated classes, recess, and lunch.
• Assists classroom teachers with collection and preparation of materials needed for lessons.
• Assists the teacher with student record keeping/daily documentation.
• Supervises and enforces building/individual discipline procedures in all educational settings both in and out of school according to the supervisor's directions.
• Assists with medical, health, and/or behavior-related needs of students as instructed by the administrator, teacher, or nurse.
• Administers medication and first aid if identified.
• Assists in all aspects of personal hygiene.
• Corrects assignments, data collection and entry; maintains records, copying, and clerical tasks as assigned.
• Participates in professional development as requested by administration.
• Alerts principal or teacher to any problem and special information about an individual student.
• Interacts effectively with various constituent groups including students, co-workers, parents, staff, and administration.
• Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of licensed teachers.
• Daily attendance and punctuality are required to meet the District’s mission of educating children.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have one of the following prior to employment:
  • Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education (48 credits minimum).
  • Obtained an associate's (or higher) degree.
  • Completed the Accuplacer exam through DMACC.
  • Completion of paraprofessional certification through the Board of Educational Examiners.
• Display a basic understanding of the needs of children.
• Ability to relate effectively to children of all ages and with different academic and behavioral needs.
• Display patience and compassion and maintain a caring and helpful relationship with children.
• Display computer skills including word processing using Google Docs or similar tools, Internet searching, and email skills.
• Display professional communications skills including active listening, written, and oral.
• Ability to physically lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to bend, lift, sit on the floor, run short distances, and assist physically active students.
• Demonstrate the emotional maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work involved.
• Demonstrate initiative and the insight to anticipate problem situations and respond accordingly.
• Ability to take directions, work with minimal supervision, and follow policies and practices.
• Consistent and punctual attendance.

Pay

Hourly Pay Rate: $17.10 per hour.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Access to a wide range of employee discount programs.
• Modern, well-equipped facilities.
• Career advancement opportunities through the "Grow Your Own" initiative and Purple Pathways program.

Ames, Iowa, offers a vibrant and close-knit community with small-town charm and big-city amenities, including cultural events, educational pursuits, and community initiatives. Joining Ames CSD means becoming part of a community that values communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence.