Autism Day Program Lead Teacher (Full-Time)

Childserve; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA and FSA options

Employee Assistance Program

403(b) retirement plan with company

Life and disability insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Child Serve seeks an Autism Day Program Lead to support children ages 2-6 in health, skill development, and daily living through play-based, collaborative care with therapists. You will work Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week, in a 1:3 staff-to-child ratio, coordinating with occupational, speech, and physical therapists to implement individualized care plans.

The role includes documenting progress, communicating with families, and ensuring a safe, engaging environment; starting wage is $17.50 per

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services or education preferred; experience working with children with autism preferred.
• Must pass the National DCI fingerprint process, child/adult abuse and criminal background checks, and child abuse affidavit prior to hire and every two years thereafter.
• Must be able to pass a physical examination at commencement of employment and as regulations require; lift up to 35 lbs, be mobile within clinic areas, and frequently bend, lift, reach, and stand.
• Maintain a calm demeanor in an environment that can change quickly with elevated behaviors and different demands, and communicate effectively in reading, writing, and speaking the English language.

Responsibilities

• Support children in achieving greater independence and school readiness through individualized care, learning, and play in a 1:3 ratio.
• Collaborate with behavioral health professionals, therapists, and other team members to follow care plans and meet therapy goals within scope of practice.
• Oversee and maintain a safe, consistent, and engaging environment, ensuring daily needs are met, such as feeding, diapering, and toilet training.
• Promote communication and social-emotional development using tools like PECS, communication devices, and guided behavioral support.
• Plan and prep age-appropriate learning activities.
• Accurately document care, follow change-of-shift procedures, and communicate professionally with families, staff, and community partners.

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services or education

Job description

Join Child Serve as an Autism Day Program Lead, where you will contribute to the lives of children ages 2-6 by supporting their health, skill development and retention in our Autism Day Program. You will provide care to children with varying functioning levels across the autism spectrum. Through direct collaboration with occupational, speech, and physical therapists, and a play-based environment, you will assist with developmental goals as designated by each child's individualized care plan.

Schedule

40 hours per week, Monday - Friday between the hours of 7:30 AM and 6:00 PM.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Support children in achieving greater independence and school readiness through individualized care, learning, and play in a 1:3 ratio.
• Collaborate with behavioral health professionals, therapists, and other team members to follow care plans and meet therapy goals within scope of practice.
• Oversee and maintain a safe, consistent, and engaging environment, ensuring daily needs are met, such as feeding, diapering, and toilet training.
• Promote communication and social-emotional development using tools like PECS, communication devices, and guided behavioral support.
• Plan and prep age-appropriate learning activities.
• Accurately document care, follow change-of-shift procedures, and communicate professionally with families, staff, and community partners.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or education preferred; experience working with children with special healthcare needs and autism preferred.
• Must complete and pass the National DCI fingerprint process, child/adult abuse and criminal background checks, and child abuse affidavit prior to hire and every two years thereafter.
• Must be able to pass a physical examination at commencement of employment and as regulations require; lift up to 35 lbs, be mobile within clinic areas, and frequently bend, lift, reach, and stand.
• Maintain a calm demeanor in an environment that can change quickly with elevated behaviors and different demands, and communicate effectively in reading, writing, and speaking the English language.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting wage for this role is $17.50hour.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

Make a Difference Every Day at Child Serve

• Child Serve partners with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life.
• Child Serve is a leading pediatric healthcare provider with Iowa's only children's specialty hospital, offering a variety of services and programs to meet each child’s unique needs.
• Child Serve's four key specialty areas include: complex medical care, pediatric rehabilitation, autism and behavioral health, and community-based services. With a coordinated approach to care delivery, services are interwoven and streamlined, so families can address their child’s needs in one location.
• Established in 1928, Child Serve proudly provides more than 30 pediatric specialty services to nearly 6,000 children in Iowa each year.

Child Serve is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Child Serve is an Equal Opportunity Employer.