K-4 Special Education Associate - 4 Day School Week -

Saydel Community School District; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Saydel Community School District is seeking a K-4 Special Education Associate at Cornell Elementary, Des Moines, IA. You will support students daily, assist in therapy programs, and help implement IEP goals in inclusive settings.

Responsibilities include accompanying students to classes and activities, collaborating with teachers, and participating in district trainings. A High School Diploma or equivalent is required, with school-based experience helpful but not mandatory.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in a school setting is helpful but not required.
• Ability to work with students with diverse needs and IEP goals.

Responsibilities

• Accompany special education students to classes, lunch and community trips to build daily living, career and leisure skills.
• Provide instructional assistance to students as needed.
• Assist in PE, Fine Arts and Technology classes.
• Support physical and/or occupational therapy programs when trained by therapists.
• Assist students with achievement of IEP goals and self-care needs.
• Attend district trainings and maintain reliable attendance.
• Communicate with lead teachers and administration for supports.

Skills

Student support daily

Emergency response

IEP procedures knowledge

Assistive devices use

Effective communication

IEP goals collaboration

Daily activities participation

Positive interactions

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

K-4 Special Education Associate - 4 Day School Week -

Saydel Community School District Cornell Elementary - Des Moines, Iowa Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in TeachIowa, Iowa's Marketplace for education jobs

Job Details

Job ID: 5931420

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 17, 2026 7:00 PM (UTC)

Job Description

K-4 Special Education Associate

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Ability to support and work with students on a daily basis.
• Able to react quickly and calmly when an emergency arises.
• Knowledge of IEP procedures, physical therapy and/or occupational therapy programs.
• Knowledge and use of assistive devices.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Work with individuals towards IEP goals.
• Ability to explain and participate in daily school activities.
• Must be able to interact in a positive manner with students, faculty, parents and other staff members.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• Experience in the school setting is helpful, but not required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Accompany special education students to classes, lunch and on extensive community based outside trips to work on daily living, career and leisure skills.
• Provide instructional assistance to students in subjects when needed.
• Provide assistance in classes such as PE, Fine Arts and Technology.
• Administer physical and/or occupational therapy programs, where appropriate, when trained by classroom and/or area education agency therapists (this may also include lifting students when transferring or doing range-of-motion exercises).
• Assist students with achievement of IEP goals.
• Assist students with self-care needs when appropriate.
• Attend district trainings when requested.
• Maintain a reliable attendance record.
• Communicate with lead teachers and administration for supports.
• Perform other duties as needed or assigned by classroom teacher, building administrator and/or Director of Special Education.

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories:

Special Education > General Special Education

Contact Information

• Alex Stubbers
• 5740 NE 14th Street
• Des Moines, Iowa 50313
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]