The Assistant Teacher supports the implementation of educational curriculums and maintains a safe, nurturing learning environment for preschool children. They are responsible for collecting child assessment data, communicating with parents, and ensuring compliance with Head Start and licensing regulations.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a CDA credential, or be willing to obtain one. Physical ability to lift up to 30 pounds and a valid driver's license are also required.
Monday-Friday (8:00-4:00). 40 hours per week, approximately 40 weeks per year.
Hours are subject to change based on financial and program requirements.
Requirements
Any of the following:
Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood or Child Care Supervision & Management.
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education or related field.
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or willing to obtain within 18 months of hire.
Able to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, push and pull regularly.
Lift up to 15 pounds often; lift up to 30 pounds occasionally; lift over 30 pounds rarely.
Qualifications
Center-based work experience with pre-school age children preferred.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Job
Duties and Responsibilities
Be knowledgeable of Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards, Iowa Licensing Regulations and programs policies/procedures.
Must be able to relate to low resource preschool children, families and staff in a positive manner.
Works collaboratively with staff to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
Maintain staff to child ratio and ensure children’s safety at all times.
Maintain a positive, healthy and safe learning environment for children and families.
Provide a high quality educational indoor and outdoor learning environment by following the High Scope, PBIS, and 2nd Step curriculums to ensure school readiness for children.
Benefits
Benefits Eligible
Assist the Team Leader/Teacher for planning and implementing daily classroom lesson plans.
Collect anecdotal notes that are current, ongoing, factual and objective on children and enter into the Teaching Strategies online GOLD.
Use ongoing assessment information to improve curriculum implementation and individualize learning experiences.
Eat breakfast, lunch and snack with children through a family-style meal.
Maintain a warm, nurturing environment that will encourage children to be problem solvers and decision makers.
Effectively communicate with parents on an ongoing basis.
Affirm the parent role as the primary educator of their child.
Help meet in-kind requirements for our program.
Assist the Team Leader/Teacher with required home visitations and parent teacher conferences.
Chaperone on the transportation bus as needed.
Be responsible for the complete operation of the center in absence of Team Leader/Teacher.
Able to work flexible hours without direct supervision, including some evenings.
Follow cleaning procedures to maintain a clean and sanitary classroom/center.
Complete necessary paperwork in an accurate and timely manner including data entry into the Child Plus system.
Follow HS/EHS policies and procedures.
Responsible for contributing to a positive and productive work environment.
Attend at minimum 15 hours of trainings for professional development requirements.
Able to work flexible hours without direct supervisions, including some evenings.
Other duties as assigned.
Other
Conditions of Employment
Submit to the Department of Human Services Criminal History and a Request for Child Abuse Information Records Check prior to employment and every two (2) years thereafter.
Submit to FBI National Fingerprint Criminal History Check prior to hire and every four (4) years thereafter.
Submit to a Motor Vehicle Records check prior to employment and every year thereafter.
Complete a DHS Physical Exam prior to employment and every 3 years.
Complete a Tuberculosis Screening or Assessment prior to employment.
Complete mandatory reporter training within 3 months of hire and every 3 years thereafter.
Adhere to HS/EHS Standards of Conduct.
Sign and maintain required confidentiality statement.
Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance and reliable transportation.
Attend required in-services, trainings, orientations and meetings.
Must be able to complete job duties as described with reasonable accommodations.
Market context
Iowa assistant teacher roles stay steady
In Iowa, assistant teacher openings are often driven by ongoing classroom support needs in early childhood and K-12 settings, where dependable staff who can work closely with children are consistently valued. These roles are competitive because schools and centers look for candidates who meet state or accreditation education requirements and can stay active throughout the day. Review the posted qualifications carefully and compare them with your experience; the job requirements and benefits on this platform are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving you research time.
