Preschool Educational Associate (part-time)

Ames Community School District; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Employee discounts

Job summary

Ames Community School District is seeking a part-time Preschool Educational Associate for the 2026-2027 school year at Northwood Preschool.

Under supervision of administrators and a special education teacher, you will assist with instructional tasks, behavior management, recordkeeping, and maintaining a positive learning environment for disabled students. Schedule: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8:15 am–3:15 pm.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of college credits (48) minimum or higher degree accepted.
• Paraprofessional certification or higher is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Assist students by following teacher directions.
• Support independent work and small groups.
• Reinforce material prepared by the teacher.
• Assist with student records and daily documentation.
• Supervise students in various school settings.

Skills

Understanding of child needs

Relating to children

Patience and compassion

Computer skills (Docs, email)

Professional communication

Physical stamina (lift 50 lbs)

Flexibility in movement

Emotional maturity

Initiative

Attendance

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Two years of college credits (48)

Associate's degree or higher

Accuplacer DMACC

Paraprofessional certification

Job description

Preschool Educational Associate (part-time) JobID: 1757

Openings as of 8/22/2026

• Date Posted: 8/19/2026


• Closing Date: 09/08/2026

Welcome to Ames Community School District, where we are more than just a workplace. We are a community dedicated to supporting personal and professional growth. As a member of Ames CSD, you'll enjoy competitive pay and access to a wide range of employee discount programs. You'll also be part of an organization that values individuals for who they are and encourages collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect. We offer modern, well-equipped facilities, newly built and thoughtfully renovated, to ensure you have the tools and environment needed to thrive in your role. Our \"Grow Your Own\" initiative, supported by the Purple Pathways program, underscores our focus on helping employees advance and succeed in their careers. Join us at Ames CSD, where your strengths are celebrated, your potential is nurtured, and you're surrounded by a community that champions your success.

Northwood Preschool is seeking part-timeSpecial EducationEducational Associates for the 2026-2027 school year.

Summary

Under the supervision of an administrator and special education teacher, assists the teacher in the education of students, including instructional assistance, management of student behavior, recordkeeping, classroom safety, security, and organization, and interaction and communication with students and staff. Provides direct and indirect educationally related services to disabled students and assists the special education teacher in creating a positive learning environment to facilitate the personal, social, and intellectual development of students.

Work Schedule

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

Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• 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; maintain records, copying, and clerical 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 but not limited to 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.


• Knowing the District must have regular and dependable employees to meet its mission of educating children, daily attendance and punctuality is required.

Required Qualifications

• 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 but not limited to: 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 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.

Hourly Pay Rate

Hourly Pay Rate: $17.10per hour.

Choosing the Ames Community School District isn't just about a job. It's about becoming part of a vibrant and close-knit community, nestled in the heart of Iowa. With its small-town charm and big-city amenities, Ames offers a unique blend of contentment and excitement. As a college town, opportunities to engage and get involved abound, whether it's through cultural events, educational pursuits, or community initiatives. At Ames, you're not just joining a workplace; you're becoming a valued member of a community driven by communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. Come be a part of the Ames CSD, where both your professional and personal aspirations can thrive.