Special Education Associate

Young World Physical Education; Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 20,320 - 28,941; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education in Urbandale, Iowa is seeking a Special Education Associate to support students with special needs throughout the school day. Responsibilities include providing supervision during classes, lunch, and recess, and assisting students with both academic and daily living skills.

The ideal candidate will possess a high school diploma and be skilled in communicating with patience. This is a full-time position with a starting pay of $17.88 per hour.

Qualifications

• Experience with children with special needs is preferred.
• Willingness to assist with self-care and mobility needs.
• Attending professional training and district seminars.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision for students throughout the school day.
• Assist students in subjects and daily living skills.
• Maintain a reliable attendance record.

Skills

Ability to work with students with special needs

Quick reaction to emergencies

Knowledge of IEP procedures

Use of assistive devices

Patience in communication

Ability to work towards IEP goals

Explaining daily activities

Positive interaction with students and staff

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Office equipment

Job description

Special Education Associate

Urbandale Community School District District-Wide - Urbandale, Iowa Open in Google Maps

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

Job Details

Job ID: 5702557

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: May 08, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

JOB TITLE - Special Education Associate

LOCATION - The location for this specific position will be determined by the Director of Special Education based on student needs and will be communicated to applicants at the time of hire. Candidates will have the option to indicate location of preference during the application process.

CLASSIFICATION - Classified

FLSA STATUS - Non-Exempt

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR - Building Principal

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM - Building administrators, district leadership

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION - Under general supervision, provide supervision for students across the school day - practicing skills with small groups of students, providing supervision for lunch and recess, and working collaboratively with a team to meet the needs of a building.

Please review the UCSD Actions of Excellence to gain an understanding of the expectations for UCSD employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Ability to work with students with special needs on a daily basis.
• Abilityto react quickly and calmly when an emergency arises.
• Knowledge of IEP procedures, physical therapy, and occupational therapy programs.
• Knowledge of how to use assistive devices such as wheelchairs and walkers.
• Ability to communicate with extreme patience to students with special needs or behavioral problems.
• Ability to work with individuals towards IEP goals.
• Ability to explain and participate in daily activities.
• Ability to interact in a positive manner with students, faculty, parents, and other staff members.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• Some experience with children with special needs preferred.

Equipment

• Office equipment such as computers, two-way radios, multi-line phone system, cell phone, copier, and fax machines.

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 students with special needs to classes, lunch, and possible community-based outside trips to work on daily living, career, and leisure skills.
• Provide instructional assistance to students in subjects when needed.
• Administer physical and/or occupational therapy programs, where appropriate, when trained by classroom and/or education agency therapists.
• Assist with mobility needs such as repositioning, loading and unloading onto the bus, as well as transporting students around the school.
• Assist students with self-care when appropriate.
• Attend district seminars and classes, as well as professional training.
• Assist with programs the teacher has created for educational purposes.
• Reportincidents of an unusual nature to teacher and principal.
• Maintain student work area in a neat and orderly manner.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures for building and classroom.
• Maintain a reliable attendance record.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS

• None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Repetitious bending, lifting, and hand movement.
• Ability to work while standing, moving and/or walking.
• Drug, tobacco, and alcohol-free while working.
• Must be able to see and hear within normal limits with or without corrective lenses or hearing aids.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle used to travel between sites.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Majority of work is performed in an office or school setting.
• Occasional meetings outside the school day.
• Occasional exposure to body fluids, fumes, noise, and hazardous materials and emergency situations.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• At-Will Employee
• Letter of Assignment
• Per Board Policies and administrative guidelines
• Performance evaluated annually

Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $17.88 Per Hour

Job Categories

• Instructional Support > Individual Aide
• Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA
• Special Education > General Special Education
• Special Education > Learning Disabled
• Special Education > Mild/Moderate Disabilities
• Special Education > Multiple Disabilities
• Special Education > Severe/Profound Disabilities
• Special Education > Special Education Assistant

Equal Opportunity Employer

All employers submitting a job opening for posting on the Teach Iowa system 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 status as a veteran. A bona fide religious institution may choose to exercise the allowances in Iowa Code section 216.6.(6)d. Employers may have additional developed specific equal employment opportunity policies and procedures; please check with employers.

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Kate Johnson
• 11152 Aurora Ave
• Urbandale, Iowa 50322
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]