Assistant Educator - Afternoon Help

Sonnetschool; Norwalk (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off and paid holidays

Employee childcare discount

Job summary

Yellow Brick Road in Iowa seeks an Assistant Educator to support a nurturing and engaging learning space where children develop foundational skills. You will work with the Lead Educator to implement play-based lessons, supervise children, and maintain a safe classroom environment.

The role emphasizes collaboration, positive family communication, and ongoing professional development, with a 3:30pm-close, Monday–Friday schedule and weekend-free workweeks.

Qualifications

• Previous experience with young children preferred.
• Knowledge of early childhood development principles.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift up to 65 lbs and meet physical demands.
• Must obtain CPR/First Aid within 30 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Educator in implementing age-appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Supervise and engage children to ensure safety and participation.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe classroom environment.
• Support family communication via the Parent Communication app.
• Collaborate with colleagues to share ideas and best practices.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Job description

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.

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.

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:

• 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.