Head Start Assistant Teacher - Cedar River Academy

Jimmy Jazz; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO & Holidays

Short-Term Disability

Life & AD&D Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Dental (Voluntary)

Health & Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

IPERS/403(b)

Job summary

HACAP in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Head Start Assistant Teacher for a full-time schedule of 32 hours per week, Monday–Thursday 9:00 am–5:00 pm. The role starts at $17.24 per hour, with a plan to increase to $19.81 after earning the CDA within the first year.

Applicants must have an AA in Early Childhood Education or a high school diploma with childcare experience. Benefits include PTO, retirement options, and health plans.

Qualifications

• AA in Early Childhood Education.
• High School Diploma (or equivalent) and three months of childcare experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing a nurturing educational program.
• Lead Head Start staff in teacher-absent moments.
• Support children’s development and learning in a structured classroom setting.

Skills

Reliable transportation

Strong communication

Education

AA in Early Childhood Education

High School Diploma

Job description

• Location 720 7th Ave SW,Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404,United States
• Base Pay $17.24 - $19.81 / Hour
• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt

Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. (HACAP) is a dynamic nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the lives of families and individuals in our communities across nine counties. We believe in the power of collaboration, working alongside for-profit businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and local community members to create stronger, healthier communities.

Position Overview:

Application Deadline:

September 20, 2026.

Job Title:

Head Start Assistant Teacher.

Position Type:

Full-Time, 32 hours per week.

Schedule:

Monday - Thursday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Full Day/School Year.

Pay Range:

$17.24 - $19.81 hourly depending on education and experience.

Starting rate for this position is $17.24for all Assistant Teachers that have not obtained their Child Development Associate Certification (CDA), have an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. All Assistant Teachers are required to obtain their CDA within their first year of employment. HACAP will guide you in obtaining your CDA and once acquired pay will increase to $19.81 an hour.

Position Goal:

The Head Start Assistant Teacher supports the Teacher in planning, implementing, and maintaining a nurturing and supportive educational program for participating children. The Assistant Teacher is the designated lead Head Start staff person at times during the day when the teacher is not present in the classroom.

What HACAP is proud to offer you:

Company Paid Benefits

• Paid Time Off and 11 Company Paid Holidays
• Short-Term Disability (After 1 Year of Employment)
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Dental (Voluntary Coverage)

Voluntary Insurance Plans

• Health and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Voluntary Life, Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance

Retirement Savings Options

• Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) or 403(b) plan with a generous company match of or up to 9.44% of your gross wage

Additional Benefits

• Corporate Advantage Partnership Education Program with Mount Mercy and Upper Iowa University

Qualifications & Conditions of Employment:

Education and/or Experience

• Target Qualifications: AA in Early Childhood Education.
• Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma (or equivalent) and three (3) months of experience working in a childcare setting.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid ID.
• Reliable transportation.
• Receive clearance by the Iowa Department of Human Services on child abuse and criminal checks prior to hire and resubmit every two (2) years.
• Pass a pre-employment health examination and subsequent health examinations every three (3) years thereafter.
• Receive clearance through National FBI fingerprint checks. Fingerprints must be submitted for national check prior to hire or start date at the center. Resubmit every four (4) years.

Please attach any trainings/transcripts/or diplomas to your application.

Additional Information:

HACAP is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, marital status, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability of any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants with Disabilities

We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with HACAP. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, please contact HACAP's Human Resources Department by email at [e-mail] .

All applicants will receive an acknowledgement via email that their application has been received. Those candidates selected for further consideration will be notified.