Child Care Associate

Northeast Iowa Community College; Calmar Township (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeast Iowa Community College is seeking an assistant to support the Co-Director and Lead Teacher at the Child Development Center. This role focuses on planning daily activities, preparing the learning environment, and promoting each child's healthy development while ensuring safety and engagement throughout the day.

The position requires a background in Early Childhood, a warm, team-oriented approach, and adherence to licensing and center policies. Open Date 11/10/2026; open until filled.

Qualifications

• Educational background in Early Childhood is preferred (must meet licensing requirements).
• Experience in Early Childhood program is preferred, especially in area served.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing the daily program under the direction of the Lead Teacher.
• Assist in planning and preparing the learning environment and materials.
• Promote healthy development across physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains.
• Assist in teaching and supervising activities to ensure safety and involvement of all children.
• Maintain daily care tasks including laundry, cleaning, and record keeping.

Skills

Warm, nurturing personality

Teamwork and collaboration

Strong desire to work with children

Effective communication

Education

Early Childhood background

Job description

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist the Co-Director and Lead Teacher in the activities of the Child Development Center to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the Center.

1. Assist in planning and implementing the daily program under the direction of the Lead Teacher.

2. Assist in planning and preparing the learning environment, setting up interest centers, and preparing needed materials and supplies.

3. Assist in promoting and supervising the healthy physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of each child.

4. Assist in teaching and supervising all activities to ensure each child’s involvement and safety at all times, eat meals with children, encourages the development of good nutritional habits and personal hygiene.

5. Assist in daily maintenance, including but not limited to, laundry, floor care, record keeping and bed maintenance, washing and/or rotating toys, etc.
6. Accountable for the children for whom you are identified as the primary caregiver. This includes, but is not limited to:
- relaying information to parent(s) about child’s daily activities.
- charting on infants for all daily activities, including diaper changing, feeding, naps, medications, milestones, and any concerns. Chart should include a positive statement about the child’s day.

Qualifications

1. Educational background in Early Childhood is preferred (must meet Department of Human Services licensing requirements).

2. Experience in Early Childhood program is preferred, especially in area served.

3. Strong desire to work with children.

4. Demonstrates a warm, nurturing, and friendly personality.

5. Relates well to children and supports positive family-Center relationships.

6. Mature attitude that allows for effective communication, problem solving, and team building.

7. Completion of mandatory reporting training, current certification in First Aid/ CPR , and completion of OSHA -Universal Precautions Training.

8. Current physical exam including communicable disease tests as defined in section 109.9D.

9. Physical vitality and stamina.

Conditional employment until successful clearance with DHS & criminal records/child abuse registry and record check.

Essential Functions

7. Observe and record evaluation/assessment information for children.

8. As part of the team, maintain a safe, secure, warm, nurturing environment for all children.

9. Treat all children with dignity and respect.

10. Be sensitive to the special needs of children and report concerns to the Lead Teacher.

11. Handle all information pertaining to children, family, and the center with confidentiality and discretion.

12. Assist with the coordination of equipment and materials as directed by the Lead Teacher.

13. Assist in organizing the classroom program and equipment to create a safe, nurturing, warm environment that reflects developmentally appropriate practices and promotes a multi-cultural, non-sexist, non-violent philosophy and curriculum in coordination with the Lead Teacher.

14. Implement the recommendations of the Co-Director and Faculty Advisor in a timely manner.

15. Exhibit flexibility to work in either infant/toddler or the preschool room when needed.

16. Attend monthly staff meetings.

17. Meet weekly with Lead Teacher.

18. Attendance, punctuality, and dependability are evidenced.

19. Follow personnel policies of Child Development Center and dress code recommendations and NICC policies.

20. Know (and implement) policies of the Child Development Center in regard to Center operations as defined in the most current Center policy manual and licensing regulations. These include First Aid and CPR , emergency procedures for tornadoes and fire, child abuse reporting, discipline, termination and other established policies.

Open Date

Open Date 11/10/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

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