Assistant Educator - Afternoon Help

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing professional development

Weekday schedule: Mon–Fri

401(k) plan

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off & holidays

Employee childcare discount

Job summary

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center in Iowa is seeking a part-time Assistant Educator to support educators in providing a nurturing and engaging learning environment for young children.

The role focuses on assisting with lesson plans, supervising children, maintaining a safe classroom, and communicating with families. CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain within 30 days is required; weekend work is not involved.

Qualifications

• 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 meet the physical demands of the job.
• Must possess a valid CPR/First Aid certification, or willing to obtain within 30 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Support Lead Educator in implementing play-based, age-appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Supervise and engage with children to ensure safety and active participation.
• Assist in maintaining an organized, clean, and safe classroom environment.
• Communicate professionally with families during drop-off/pick-up and via app updates.
• Collaborate with colleagues to share ideas and best practices.

Skills

Childcare experience

Early childhood development

Strong communication

Team player

CPR/First Aid certification

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

Part-time

The purpose of the Assistant Educator is to support the other Educators in providing a nurturing, positive, and engaging learning environment where young children can thrive and develop foundational skills for lifelong success. Working collaboratively and flexibly, Assistant Educators play a vital role in fostering social-emotional growth, encouraging curiosity, and supporting consistent daily routines. By upholding our core values, Aides help create a safe and stimulating space where every child is respected, valued, and supported in their development.

The hours needed for this role is 3:30pm-close, Monday-Friday.

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

• Communication 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, that fosters 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 65lbs.
• 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 at 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