Associate, Special Education – Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary
Location: Indianola Community School District, Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary – Indianola, Iowa
Starting Date: Aug 17, 2026
Job ID: 5759021
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Jun 03, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)
Job Description
Position Title: Associate, Special Education
Department: Special Education
Reports To: Principal, Special Education Teacher
SUMMARY
Provides assistance and supports to students under the direct supervision of certified personnel.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Reports to work as scheduled on a regular and reliable basis.
- Supervises and monitors students in a variety of settings and accompanies them as they move about the building.
- Assist certified personnel in organizing and maintaining physical spaces.
- Assist certified personnel in implementing students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Facilitates the integration of entitled students in typical classrooms and provides social, behavioral, and academic supports in the general education setting, under the direction of certified personnel.
- Assists in presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises in compliance with the student’s IEP.
- Reviews lessons and provides drill and practice opportunities for individual and groups of students.
- Assists students in generalizing and reinforcing skills across settings.
- Provides communication and social skills supports.
- Assists certified staff in preparing and implementing accommodations and modifications prescribed by students’ IEPs, and in preparing materials (including reproducing, correcting workbooks/tests, and creating bulletin board materials).
- Assists certified personnel in collecting and recording progress monitoring data using metrics prescribed by students’ IEPs.
- Assists certified personnel in implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and supports students in meeting expectations for appropriate behavior.
- Demonstrates collegiality, cooperation and professionalism in working with a variety of school personnel, students, parents, and other stakeholders.
- Uses specialized equipment, including computers, mobility devices, augmentative communicators, pencil grips, and other devices, to support the unique needs and abilities of entitled students.
- Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities daily.
- Works as a team member on building‑level committees and collegial activities within the building and district.
- Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy and administrative regulations.
- Meets core expectations for all staff reflected in Iowa Administrative Code, Board Policy, and the district performance evaluation system.
- Supervises students during all school‑related activities.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or GED.
OTHER FUNCTIONS
- Performs other related duties as assigned, ensuring the effective functioning of the school.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
- Adhering to safety practices.
- Operating specialized health care equipment and assistive technology devices.
- Operating standard office equipment and using pertinent software applications.
- Preparing and maintaining accurate records.
- Basic math (fractions, percentages, ratios).
- Reading manuals, writing documents, presenting information.
- Understanding basic child development theory and principles.
- Knowledge of behavior of children with disabilities, assistive technology, instructional procedures, age‑appropriate activities.
- Scheduling activities, collating data, communicating with diverse groups.
- Maintaining confidentiality, working as part of a team, handling interruptions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Physical demands include significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, frequent climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity. Typically 35% sitting, 30% walking, 35% standing. Conditions may involve risk of injury or illness.
REQUIRED TRAINING & CLEARANCES
- Criminal Fingerprint/Background Check.
- Seclusion and Restraint training (Chapter 103).
- Mandatory Reporter Training – Child Abuse.
- Prescribed district training modules.
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training.
CONTINUING EDUCATION / TRAINING
- Prescribed training modules.
FLSA Status
Non‑Exempt (Associate Salary Schedule)
Equal Opportunity Employer
All employers submitting a job opening for posting will not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or veteran status.
Job Requirements
- High School/Trade School degree preferred.
- Citizenship, residency or work visa required.
Contact Information
- Amy Jo Naughton, Building Principal
- Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary
- Phone: 515‑961‑9500 x4000
- Email: amyjo.naughton@indianola.k12.ia.us