Child Care Lead Teacher - St. Pius X Early Learning Center

Young World Physical Education; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Generous Paid Time Off

401(k) Retirement Plan with company matching

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is looking for a dedicated Child Care Lead Teacher for St. Pius X Early Learning Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This full-time position involves working with children from infant to Pre-K, supporting their development, and ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.

The Lead Teacher will partner with other staff, implement daily activity plans, and foster positive relationships with students and parents. Benefits include health coverage, paid time off, and a faith-filled environment.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years of age (DHS).
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions and correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide care for children during their time at the early childhood center.
• Implement daily lesson plans and maintain a positive environment.
• Ensure children follow the basic rules of the center.

Skills

Communication

Flexibility

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

16 years of age (DHS)

Job description

Child Care Lead Teacher - St. Pius X Early Learning Center

Xavier Catholic Schools is seeking full‑time Child Care Lead Teachers for St. Pius X Early Learning Center. This year‑round position works with infant to Pre‑K aged children.

Job Details

Job ID: 5812220
Application Deadline: Until filled
Posted: Jul 01, 2026 1:33 PM (UTC)
Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

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. The Lead Teacher models and promotes the mission, fosters a respectful and ethical work environment, and upholds Catholic identity through all leadership and decision making.

Position Summary: Provide care for children during their time at the early childhood center and/or preschool. Work 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 other 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
• 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 the 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 and supplies, setting‑up learning centers, assisting with general housekeeping tasks, assisting in supervision of 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 such activities 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 utilize 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

• Must be 16 years of age (DHS)
• 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/Mental Demands

Maintain emotional control under stress, frequent interruptions, occasional prolonged and irregular hours, frequent standing, walking, talking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, sitting, and listening. Lifts and moves up to 50 pounds.

Working Environment

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.

Benefits

• A Faith‑Filled Environment: Experience a workplace where you can openly share and grow in your faith with both students and colleagues.
• Attractive Salary Package: Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Full health insurance options, including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Generous Paid Time Off.
• Life & Long‑Term Disability Insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company matching.

Position Type

Full‑time

Equal Opportunity Employer

Xavier Catholic Schools is an equal opportunity employer.

Contact Information

• Connie Schulte, Director of Early Learning
• Xavier Catholic Schools
• Phone: 319‑739‑7300
• Email: [e-mail]