Assistant Educator

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 19,286 - 20,664; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Employee Childcare Discount

Job summary

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center in Des Moines, Iowa, is hiring an Assistant Educator to support the Lead Educator in fostering a nurturing learning environment. The role involves engaging with children to promote social and emotional development, implementing play-based lesson plans, and maintaining a positive classroom culture.

Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and experience with young children. The position offers full-time hours, Monday through Friday, and a starting pay range of $14 to $15 an hour, in addition to various health benefits and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a childcare setting preferred.
• Knowledge of early childhood development principles.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 65 lbs and respond quickly to emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Support curriculum implementation and maintain a positive classroom culture.
• Supervise children and assist in their developmental progress.
• Help maintain a clean and safe classroom environment.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Experience with young children

Job description

At Yellow Brick Road, we’re on a mission to put good humans into the world and leave it better than we found it. Our team creates warm, inclusive, and joyful environments where children, families, and staff can thrive. If you’re energized by purpose, connection, and meaningful work, you’ll love being part of a community that invests in your growth and celebrates what makes you exceptional.

Job Type: Full‑time

The purpose of the Assistant Educator is to support the Lead Educator in providing a nurturing, positive, and innovative learning environment where young children can thrive and develop essential skills for lifelong success. Through collaboration, flexibility, and care, our Assistant Educators play a vital role in promoting social and emotional development, encouraging curiosity, and reinforcing daily routines. By embracing our core values, Assistant Educators help maintain a safe and stimulating space where each child is valued, respected, and supported on their learning journey.

What You’ll Do

Support Curriculum Implementation

• Assist the Lead Educator in implementing play‑based, age‑appropriate lesson plans and activities that support children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.
• Help maintain a positive classroom culture that fosters a sense of belonging, safety, and curiosity.

Child Supervision and Interaction

• Supervise and engage with children to ensure their safety and active participation in daily activities.
• Help monitor children’s developmental progress and support documentation as directed by the Lead Educator.

Classroom Management Support

• Assist in maintaining an organized, clean, and safe classroom environment.
• Help guide children in conflict resolution and problem‑solving with developmentally appropriate techniques.
• Support adherence to classroom schedules and routines.

Family Communication

• Communicate positively and professionally with families during drop‑off, pick‑up, and as needed, under the guidance from the Lead Educator and Director.
• Provide daily communication through the company’s Parent Communication app with parents and families to provide updates on their child’s daily progress, activities, and development.

Professional Development

• Collaborate with colleagues and supervisors to share ideas, resources, and best practices, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Requirements

What You’ll Need

• Previous experience working with young children in a childcare setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of early childhood development principles and best practices.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, which may include:
• Standing or sitting for extended periods of time.
• Lifting and carrying young children and classroom materials up to 65 lbs.
• Bending, stooping, and kneeling to interact with children at their level.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies or situations requiring physical intervention.
• Willingness to undergo background checks and meet state licensing requirements for working in a childcare setting.
• Must possess a valid CPR/First Aid certification, or willing to obtain within 30 days of employment.

What We Offer

• Ongoing Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
• Monday - Friday Schedule – No Weekends!
• 401(k) Plan
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Employee Childcare Discount

The starting pay range for this position is $14 to $15 an hour and is applicable for candidates who will be working in our locations in Iowa. This range is subject to adjustment for other geographic work locations. In addition to geographic location, Yellow Brick Road considers education, experience, internal equity, market demands, and other qualifying criteria to determine starting wages.

In addition to compensation benefits, Yellow Brick Road offers a variety of health and welfare benefits, based on eligibility, including medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and career development.

Salary description: Starting at $14/hr