Childcare Lead Teacher (Full-Time)

ChildServe; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA and FSA options

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

403(b) retirement plan with company”}{

Life and disability insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

Child Serve is seeking a Childcare Lead Teacher to guide children from 6 weeks to 6 years old, plan developmentally appropriate activities, and lead classroom staff as part of the Childcare Leadership Team.

The role is 40 hours weekly, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, with starting pay of $17.00 per hour that increases with experience and education. Benefits include health insurance, a 403(b) plan with company match, PTO, and more.

Qualifications

• Associate degree preferred; candidates with a high school diploma and additional relevant childcare experience will be considered.
• Minimum of two years of experience working in a childcare setting.
• Current CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Reporting, Universal Precautions, and Medication Administration certifications preferred.
• Ability to meet physical requirements, including passing required physical examinations, lifting up to 35 lbs, and maintaining active mobility throughout the workday.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, trust-based relationships with children and families through consistent, respectful communication and supportive interactions.
• Supervise children in indoor and outdoor settings while maintaining required classroom ratios and ensuring a safe, engaging environment.
• Support a consistent classroom environment that encourages exploration, purposeful play, and social-emotional development.
• Assist with curriculum implementation and lesson planning, including GOLD objectives, and contribute to ongoing curriculum development.
• Accurately document observations, significant events, and services provided while demonstrating strong teamwork, conflict resolution, and professional communication skills.

Skills

Childcare experience

English communication

Leadership

Curriculum support

Education

Associate degree preferred

Tools

CPR/First Aid

Mandatory Reporting

Medication Administration

Universal Precautions

Job description

Join Child Serve as a Childcare Lead Teacher, where you will contribute to the lives of children between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 years old. You will plan activities and create an environment designed to promote safety and age-appropriate development for the children in our childcare program. You will also provide leadership and guidance for classroom staff as part of the Childcare Leadership Team.

Schedule and Compensation

40 hours per week, Monday - Friday between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM.

Starting wage for this role is $17.00/hour and increases with years of experience and education.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Build positive, trust-based relationships with children and families through consistent, respectful communication and supportive interactions.
• Supervise children in indoor and outdoor settings while maintaining required classroom ratios and ensuring a safe, engaging environment.
• Support a consistent classroom environment that encourages exploration, purposeful play, and social-emotional development.
• Assist with curriculum implementation and lesson planning, including GOLD objectives, and contribute to ongoing curriculum development.
• Accurately document observations, significant events, and services provided while demonstrating strong teamwork, conflict resolution, and professional communication skills.

What You'll Need:

• Associate degree preferred; candidates with a high school diploma and additional relevant childcare experience will be considered.
• Minimum of two years of experience working in a childcare setting.
• Current CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Reporting, Universal Precautions, and Medication Administration certifications preferred.
• Ability to meet physical requirements, including passing required physical examinations, lifting up to 35 lbs, and maintaining active mobility throughout the workday.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Benefits

• 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. To request assistance with the application process, please email [e-mail]. Child Serve is an Equal Opportunity Employer.