What are the responsibilities and job description for the Early Childhood Associate - Cowles Montessori position at Des Moines Public School District?
Candidates offered employment will be compensated based on skills, work experience and education.
Des Moines Public Schools offers a generous benefits package.
TITLE: Early Childhood Associate / ECSE Associate
DEPARTMENT: Early Childhood Programs
REPORTS TO: Building Administrator
RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Classroom Teacher
EVALUATES: n/a
POSITION INVENTORY: B21
POSTION TYPE: Non Exempt
FLSA STATUS: Full Time
FT/PT:
DAYS: 190 Calendar Days HOURS: 7.5 Hour Day
BASIC FUNCTION:
Assist teachers in the instruction, supervision and care of all students. Abide by guidelines established for teacher associates of the District. The position requires continuous use of independent judgement. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the students and department.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Create an environment that is safe, nurturing and child-centered.
2. Supervise students in all assigned areas.
3. Contribute to curriculum planning and implementation.
4. Eat meals or snacks with children, modeling appropriate etiquette and mealtime conversations.
5. Participate in pre-service and in-service training that is consistent with program outcomes and professional development goals
6. Work with parents with guidance from a supervisor.
7. Assist in recordkeeping, instruction, monitoring progress, and data collection.
8. Participate in first aid, CPR, mandatory child abuse, and all other training required by the school district.
9. Participate in family orientation and parent meetings/IEP meetings as required.
10. Under teacher direction, implement specific strategies to maintain/increase behavior and de-escalate inappropriate behavior.
11. Follow behavior management plans for individual students.
12. Clarify and reinforce teacher directions.
13. Perform personal care duties such as feeding, toileting/diaper changes, and positioning.
14. Prepare and supervise students in bus loading/unloading.
ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):
- Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
- Assist with other duties as may be assigned.
HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:
Required:
1. High School Diploma, G.E.D, or HiSET.
2. Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, AA, or a Para educator Certification I Generalist & Para educator Certification II Early Childhood.
3. Competency working in a culturally diverse environment or the willingness to acquire these skills.
Desired:
1. Experience working with preschool children in an early childhood program.
2. Basic computer skills.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
PHYSICAL DEMAND:
FREQUENCY:
Standing
Constant 67%
Walking
Constant 67%
Sitting
Occasional 1% - 32%
Bending/Stooping
Frequent 33% - 66%
Reaching/Pushing/Pulling
Climbing/Stairs
Occasional 1% - 32%
Driving
Never 0%
Lifting (20 lbs.)
Occasional 1% - 32%
Carrying (25 feet)
Occasional 1% - 32%
Manual Dexterity Tasks
Telephone
Occasional 1% - 32%
Computer
Occasional 1% - 32%
Other
Occasional 1% - 32%
Working Conditions
Inside
Constant 67%
Outside
Frequent 33% - 66%
Extremes of Temperature/Humidity
Occasional 1% - 32%
All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Approved By: Maureen A. Norris
Date: 6/17/2022
