Special Education Plus Preschool Associate

JELA; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, life & LTD

IPERS

Flex spending accounts

Employee assistance program

Paid leave and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

JELA - Johnston, Iowa is seeking a Special Education Plus Preschool Associate to assist in providing educational experiences for students with special needs under the supervision of the supervising teacher and principal. The role involves classroom supervision, materials prep, and supporting individual and group activities within the school day.

Starting immediately, the position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, ability to relate to children with special needs, and strong

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to relate to children with special needs.
• Possess collaborative and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the supervision of students in the classroom and other areas of the school facility.
• Assists staff in preparation of materials including reproducing, preparing materials and equipment.
• Works with group or individual students in daily classroom routines under the teacher’s direction.
• Assists group or individual students with personal care including toileting, feeding, lifting, and hygiene.
• Keeps teacher/administrator informed of relevant student-related matters.
• Maintains working knowledge and use of available technology.
• Provides assistance to any student as needed and supports IEP development.

Skills

Relate to children with special needs

Collaborative & interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Special Education Plus Preschool Associate

Johnston Community School District JELA - Johnston, Iowa Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Johnston Community School District , and TeachIowa, Iowa's Marketplace for education jobs

Job Details

Job ID: 5939362
Application Deadline: Oct 11, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)
Posted: Sep 24, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

POSITIONSUMMARY:Assist in the provision of educational experiences for special education students by completing activities assigned by the special education supervising teacher and principal.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma orequivalent
• Ability to relate to children with special needs
• Possess collaborative and interpersonal skills

Successful completion of a criminal background check and physical capacity profile test required upon offer.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Personal Performance Criteria

• Works well with others, maintaining positive and effective communication with school personnel and students
• Contributes to creating a positive work environment
• Demonstrates integrity and respects confidentiality
• Arrives on time and works consistently until the end of his/her scheduled day
• Takes advantage of professional growth opportunities related to his/her specific job
• Works independently and with confidence
• Demonstrates ability to grasp and adjust to new and changing situations
• Demonstrates initiative and ability to work without close supervision

Professional Performance Criteria

• Assists in the supervision of students in the classroom and other areas of the school facility. This may include:
  • bus arrival/dismissal
  • transportation of students to and from school during contracted hours
  • lunch and/or recess
  • school related activities/field trips during contracted hours
  • emergency drills/situations
• Assists staff in preparation of materials. This may include:
  • Reproducing and preparing materials and equipment used in the classroom
  • Correcting papers, workbooks, and tests
  • Creating and preparing materials for bulletin boards
• Works with group or individual students in the daily routine of the classroom under the teacher’s direction. This may include:
  • Assisting teacher with classroom management and/or implementation of behavioral management plan(s)
  • Assisting students with homework, tests, and/or seat work
  • Assisting students with technology (audio visual, computer, adaptive educational equipment)
  • Maintaining records for individual students
  • Assisting in the integration of special education student in the regular classroom
• Assists group or individual students with personal care. This may include:
  • Toileting - This may include lifting, transferring, garment removal, changing diapers, use of adaptive toileting equipment, and clean-up procedures.
  • Feeding - This may include blending foods, serving students, and feeding through gastronomy tubes.
  • Lifting - This will include use of proper lifting techniques when transferring students in and out of wheelchairs using two or three person lifts or lift equipment. Training for proper lifting techniques will be provided by the district.
  • Distribution of Medication - Distribution of medications can only occur after training by nurse/medical personnel.
  • General Hygiene - This will include assisting students in cleaning and removing excreted bodily fluids using appropriate safety precautions.
• Keeps teacher/administrator informed of all relevant student-related matters
• Maintains working knowledge and use of available technology
• Provides assistance to any student as need arises or as requested
• Provides relevant/requested information for development and implementation of IEP’s for individual students
• Duties and responsibilities as requested by supervisor may vary from time to time

Work Hours:8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Tuesday - Friday; and one Monday per month12:00-4:00pm

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life & LTD
• Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS)
• Flex spending accounts
• Employee assistance program
• Paid leave andholidays
• Tuition reimbursement

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $19.66 to $24.58 Per Hour

Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

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

Contact Information

• Joy Duea Palmer , Director of Early Childhood
• JELA
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]