Educational Aide Jobs (Prekindergarten)

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) plays a vital role in providing quality education to the children of U.S. military families worldwide. As part of this mission, the position of Educational Aide (Prekindergarten) at Lucas Elementary School, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on young learners’ academic and social development. This role is essential for creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where children can thrive academically and emotionally.

Position Overview and Work Environment

The Educational Aide (Prekindergarten) position is part of the DoDEA Americas, Southeast District, located at Lucas Elementary School in Fort Campbell, KY. The role involves working directly in a classroom environment alongside teachers, students, and parents.

Educational Aides serve as vital support staff, ensuring the smooth operation of daily classroom activities. Whether assisting in lesson preparation, guiding children through learning tasks, or supervising students during transitions, aides play a key role in maintaining a structured, positive atmosphere for young learners.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The position offers diverse responsibilities that support both the classroom teacher and the students. As an Educational Aide, you will be expected to:

• Assist with home visits, parent-teacher conferences, and school meetings.
• Ensure program continuity when the classroom teacher is absent.
• Supervise and monitor students throughout the school day.
• Prepare teaching materials and maintain classroom cleanliness and organization.
• Support personal care routines, including feeding, toileting, and hygiene needs.
• Operate instructional technology tools and assistive devices for learning activities.
• Accompany students on field trips and school-related excursions.
• Create and display educational materials to enhance classroom instruction.
• Record student performance data using assistive technology tools.

These responsibilities require patience, organizational skills, and a genuine commitment to children’s academic and personal growth.

Required Qualifications and Eligibility

To qualify for the Educational Aide (Prekindergarten) role, applicants must be U.S. citizens or meet federal employment eligibility criteria. The job allows for both experience-based and education-based qualification methods.

Experience Requirements: Candidates should have at least one year of relevant work experience demonstrating skills in clerical, educational, or childcare settings. Experience can include paid employment or volunteer roles, such as AmeriCorps or community programs, that prepared you to work effectively in early education environments.

Education Substitution Options: Applicants can qualify based on education through the following paths:

1. Education Alone: Completion of at least two years (60 semester hours) of postsecondary education above high school level in fields such as education, child development, or related areas.
2. Combination Method: A combination of partial education and work experience may also meet the requirements if the total calculated percentage equals 100% when both are combined.

Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency by recognized credential evaluation services before they can be accepted.

Essential Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates for the Educational Aide position should demonstrate strengths in the following areas:

• Communication and Media: Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, and teachers while using various instructional tools.
• Teaching Support: Skills to assist with lesson delivery, student engagement, and classroom organization.
• Standards and Safety: Commitment to maintaining high educational standards and ensuring student safety at all times.

These competencies ensure that aides can work collaboratively with teachers to create a productive and nurturing learning environment for children.

Conditions of Employment

Because this position involves working closely with children under the age of 18, certain conditions of employment must be met, including:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship and Selective Service registration (if applicable).
• Successful completion of a Tier 1 (T1) background investigation with Childcare Checks.
• Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of all student and school-related matters.
• Direct deposit enrollment for salary payments.
• Possible completion of a two-year trial period upon hiring.

Failure to meet these conditions may disqualify applicants from consideration or continued employment.

Work Schedule, Location, and Compensation

This is a permanent, part-time position requiring 35 hours per pay period. The position is located at:

Lucas Elementary School 2115 Airborne Street Fort Campbell, KY 42223

Compensation for this role ranges from \$21.05 to \$34.23 per hour, depending on experience, education, and qualifications. The position is covered by a bargaining unit and includes locality pay adjustments where applicable.

Benefits of Working with DoDEA

Employees in federal education positions enjoy access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support career growth, personal well-being, and financial stability. Benefits may include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan.
• Paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
• Career advancement and professional development opportunities.
• Access to federal employee assistance programs and childcare resources.

These benefits ensure long-term career security and support for employees and their families.

Required Application Documents

When applying, candidates must ensure all documents are complete and accurate. The typical application package includes:

• A federal resume with detailed work history, including dates and hours worked per week.
• Transcripts if qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience.
• Supporting documents for veterans’ preference (if applicable).
• Optional documents such as cover letters or recent performance appraisals.

Failure to submit complete documentation may result in disqualification from the hiring process.

How to Apply for the Position

Interested applicants must complete the application process through the official USAJOBS website before September 5, 2026. Follow these steps to apply:

1. Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
2. Locate the job announcement for the Educational Aide (Prekindergarten) position.
3. Complete the online application form and upload all required documents.
4. Verify your application package for completeness and accuracy.
5. Submit your application before the deadline to ensure consideration.

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted, so early submission is strongly recommended.

Evaluation and Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated based on eligibility, experience, education, and supporting documentation. Veterans’ preference will be applied where applicable.

• Qualified candidates will be ranked based on experience and assessment questionnaire results.
• Applicants with incomplete packages or unverified qualifications will be removed from consideration.
• Final hiring decisions will be made following background checks and suitability determinations.

Applicants will be notified of their application status via email or through their USAJOBS account.

Why This Role Matters

The Educational Aide (Prekindergarten) position is more than just a job—it is a chance to influence the lives of military-connected children during their earliest years of learning. By assisting teachers and supporting students’ academic and personal development, Educational Aides help create a nurturing environment where children can grow confidently and successfully.

This position offers the opportunity to combine professional growth with meaningful service, making it an ideal role for individuals passionate about education, community service, and child development.