UnityPoint Health
Location
Des Moines, Iowa
The Teacher Child Care is responsible for providing high-quality education and care in a child-centered environment. This includes planning developmentally appropriate lessons, maintaining partnerships with families, and ensuring the safety and health of all children.
Candidates must have a High School Diploma or an Associate's degree depending on center accreditation, along with 240 hours of experience in a licensed childcare setting. Required certifications include Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and mandatory reporting training within 90 days of hire.
Assumes all classroom responsibilities to include planning a developmentally appropriate environment. Provides individualized lessons for each child based on their goals and learning objectives. Follows the philosophy and practice of the program curriculum. Maintains effective and respectful partnerships with parents, families, staff and administration including daily communication, effective problem solving and coordination of care. Maintains the confidentiality of sensitive information and advises parents on issues of child development. Responsible for the supervision of children within sight and sound at all times to ensure the health and safety of each child. Interacts with and guides children, both individually and in small groups, using positive, developmentally appropriate and respectful techniques. Meets the daily and ongoing social, emotional, physical and cognitive needs of all children. Maintains accurate and complete attendance tracking records. Monitors facility and/or environment for changes, hazards and problems that may occur and takes appropriate action to ensure safety of children, staff and parents Observes children daily for signs of illness, injury, abuse, neglect and assessing each child’s health and development. Mandated to report suspected child abuse & neglect to Child Protection Services. Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information regarding children, parent & families. Complies with all State and Accreditation Standards Evaluate, monitor, and maintain records on children’s participation and development. Provide four times per year assessments of children’s development and written evaluations of children’s progress during Winter and Spring parent teacher conferences. Participates in morning huddles, staff meetings and continuing education events. Completes Professional Development Responsibilities to promote continued growth and development and supports efforts to serve as a community resource of high quality child care. Shows initiative to improve quality and customer service by striving to exceed expectations by living UPH Values and Standards.
Education: For Non-Accredited Centers – High School Diploma required. For Accredited Centers – Associate’s Degree in Early Child Education or related field or equivalent required. For Accredited Centers – BA/BS in Early Childhood Education or related field with 10 hours of infant/toddler training preferred.
Market context
In Iowa, teacher child care roles are typically sought in centers that need staff who can meet licensing and accreditation standards while supporting daily classroom care. Competition often centers on experience in licensed childcare settings, the right education level for the center type, and current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare what the role asks for before applying.