Child Care Lead Teacher - St. Matthew Early Learning Center

Young World Physical Education; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Coverage

401(k) Retirement Plan

Generous Paid Time Off

Job summary

Young World Physical Education in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is looking for a full-time Child Care Lead Teacher to work at St. Matthew Early Learning Center. This position involves caring for children from infant to Pre-K age, helping to implement activities, and fostering a mission-centered environment focused on growth in both education and faith.

The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, embrace a community atmosphere, and be passionate about child development in a respectful setting. A commitment to the Catholic mission is highly encouraged.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years old as per DHS requirements.
• Emotional control under stress is necessary.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality is important.

Responsibilities

• Provide care for children at the early childhood center.
• Implement activity plans in cooperation with staff.
• Maintain a safe environment for children.

Skills

Ability to read and comprehend instructions

Ability to present information effectively

Flexibility with changing priorities

Ability to work alone or in a team

Attitude of joy and helpfulness

Education

Practicing Catholic preferred

Job description

Child Care Lead Teacher - St. Matthew Early Learning Center

Job ID: 5812251
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Jul 01, 2026 1:40 PM (UTC)
Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Xavier Catholic Schools is seeking full‑time Child Care Lead Teachers for St. Matthew Early Learning Center! This is a year‑round position, working with infant to Pre‑K aged children.

Faith & Mission Statement Commitment: Xavier Catholic Schools forms disciples unafraid to follow Jesus Christ. As part of this Christ‑centered educational system the ELC Lead Teacher helps build and support a professional culture rooted in Catholic values across all Xavier Schools.

As a leader in a Catholic educational system, this position is expected to model and promote the mission of forming disciples unafraid to follow Jesus Christ. This position fosters a Christ‑centered, respectful, and ethical work environment and upholds Catholic identity through every aspect of their leadership and decision making.

Position Summary: The Child Care Lead Teacher provides care for children during their time at the early childhood center and/or preschool. In cooperation with the Director/School Administrator, classroom teachers, and other staff to implement activity plans, help set‑up activities, and care for the children.

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities

Mission, Professionalism, and Work Ethic

• Articulate the mission to employees and stakeholders and solicit support in realizing the mission
• Represent the center in a professional, courteous, and positive manner at all times
• Contribute to a professional working environment with an emphasis on respect, confidentiality, and customer service
• Refrain from gossiping, criticizing, excessive socializing, and personal phone usage
• Accept and respect differences in children, parents, and coworkers
• Maintain high standards for quality of work produced while completing work efficiently
• Model appropriate behavior for the children and other staff
• Accept direction from director and carry out all requests
• Uphold, support, and promote all policies and procedures of the state, Archdiocese, school and center
• Be flexible, reliable, and willing to accept responsibility
• Work toward continuous quality improvement

Family and Community Relations

• Serve as liaison between families and the classroom; act as first point of contact, especially when situations arise
• Develop positive relationships with families and staff members, as well as with parishioners and the public
• Acknowledge children’s arrival by involving them in activities as they arrive, and their departures by gathering belongings and communicating with parents

Classroom Instruction and Child Development

• Follow the daily schedule and implement the day’s lesson plan including preparing necessary materials, setting up learning centers, assisting with general housekeeping tasks, supervising children, and preparing daily snacks
• Encourage each child’s active participation and facilitate interactions in child care activities
• Promote healthy self‑esteem by disciplining in a positive and respectful manner
• Help children to learn to adapt and cope with real life situations
• Help children to develop appropriate habits in activities such as eating, dressing, social skills, play, and napping

Supervision, Behavior, and Safety

• Ensure children follow the basic rules of the center
• Treat all children fairly and consistently
• Maintain a constant watch over assigned children and be aware of their location at all times
• Demonstrate calmness in emergency and/or stressful situations and use good judgment in determining which matters to refer to the director
• Provide basic first aid as needed
• Notify lead teacher of all children’s accidents and illnesses

Compliance, Operations, and Work Environment

• Maintain required trainings as required by the State of Iowa, DHS, Archdiocese of Dubuque, and the local site
• Perform safe and proper operation of equipment, while economizing materials, time, and labor
• Report safety concerns to the child care director
• Arrive promptly at scheduled time and make arrangements for time off
• Maintain a clean, organized, and presentable work area
• Assist with general housekeeping in classrooms and other areas used by the program

Qualifications

• Per DHS, must be 16 years old
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos
• Ability to write simple correspondence
• Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to families and other employees of the center/preschool
• Able to solve minor problems
• Attitude of joy and helpfulness
• Flexibility with changing priorities and processes
• Able to remain calm under pressure while handling common inquiries, complaints, or identifying emergent situations
• Ability to work well either alone or as part of a team
• Able to be discreet and maintain confidentiality
• Practicing Catholic preferred

Physical and Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to maintain emotional control under stress. Work with frequent interruptions. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours, frequent standing, walking, talking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, sitting, and listening. Lifts and moves items up to 50 pounds.

Working Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of a childcare role. Employees may be exposed to wet or messy conditions during activities such as outdoor play, art projects, toileting, or meal service. Work may also occur outdoors in varying weather conditions and in environments with elevated noise levels due to group activities and interactions with children. Employees may be required to attend occasional evening meetings and be able to complete computer work assigned related to training, documentation, and parent communication.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

• A Faith-Filled Environment: Experience a workplace where you can openly share and grow in your faith with both students and colleagues. Be part of a community that supports and inspires one another in both professional and spiritual growth.
• Attractive Salary Package: We offer a competitive salary that rewards your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Stay healthy with our full health insurance options, including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Generous Paid Time Off: We believe in work‑life balance, offering ample paid time off to recharge and take care of what matters most to you.
• Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance: Your well‑being is our priority—receive peace of mind with our life and LTD insurance options.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan, complete with company matching to help you save for tomorrow.

Position Type

Full‑time

Job Categories

Classroom Teacher > Early Childhood

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer

Contact Information

• Connie Schulte, Director of Early Learning
• Xavier Catholic Schools
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]