Head Start Teacher Associate (Southridge-10 months)

Drake; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition waiver for employees and their

Tuition exchange programs

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Drake University Head Start and Early Head Start programs seek a dedicated coordinator to support the Lead Teacher in curriculum implementation and program practices for preschoolers. The role involves light cooking, direct interaction with children, and occasional home visits at the Southridge location.

Minimum qualifications include a High School diploma and the ability to obtain a Preschool CDA within two years.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Preschool CDA credential or ability to obtain within two years of hire.
• Reliable transportation daily and ability to be insured by university carrier.
• Iowa Driver's License preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support Lead Teacher with instruction and child development and behavior.
• Follow lesson plans and adapt to individual learning styles.
• Promote positive classroom performance and create a developmentally appropriate environment.
• Maintain communication with parents, staff, volunteers, and visitors; respect confidentiality.
• Prepare and maintain health, nutrition, and safety procedures; assist with meals and basic first aid.
• Assist with documentation and confidential records; ensure CACFP paperwork compliance.
• Participate in professional development; travel within Head Start service area.
• Represent Drake University Head Start in a professional manner and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Communication

Classroom management

Child development

Lesson planning

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School diploma

Preschool CDA credential (within 2 years)

Job description

Head Start Program Coordinator3 Department Summary: The Mission of Head Start and Early Head Start is a noble one: "Better preparing young children and their families for now and in the future." Drake University Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the comprehensive development of children from birth to Age 5, in classroom settings, home-based programs, and child care partner locations. Job Summary: This position is responsible for supporting the Lead Teacher with the development, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum and practice for preschool-aged children. The role consists of light cooking, working directly with children, and occasional home visits for Head Start Programs. This position is located at our Southridge location. Minimum Qualifications: High School diploma Ability to obtain Preschool CDA (Child Development Associate) credential certification within two years of hire. Access to reliable transportation to get to and from your work site daily and the ability to be insured by the University's insurance carrier. Preferred Qualifications: Head Start Experience CDA (Child Development Associate) Current Iowa Driver's License Essential Job Functions: 45% Support Lead Teacher Instruction & Child development and behavior. Follow lesson plans while adapting plans to meet individual learning styles. Promote successful classroom performance for each student. Create a developmentally appropriate environment based on interests and individual needs of children where they are comfortable enough to verbalize feelings, question, explore, experiment, and problem solve. Share interesting ideas and activities with Lead Teacher to share with children. Encourage the child to develop a positive self-concept and support that self-concept with proper guidance and discipline techniques. Develop and maintain good communication while respecting confidentiality. Establish rapport and trust with parents, staff, volunteers, and visitors to respond to children's environmental needs. Supervise children in non-classroom settings such as indoor large motor activities, playground, outings away from the classroom and arrival and dismissal with families, etc. 35% Health, Nutrition, and Safety Prepare breakfast, lunch, snack, beverages, and any required recipes by following proper and safe food preparation and sanitation methods. With training and assistance of the Head Start nurse, follow written health/emergency care plans, and give medications as directed. Give basic first aid to any child or staff in need. Ensure that all health and safety procedures are followed in all classroom and outdoor activities. Help children during their daily bathroom routine by offering direction and support when needed, including toileting. Participate in snack/meal activities by assisting staff with serving food, eating with children, and cleaning up after meals. 10% Documentation, Records, & Compliance Assist staff with documentation and observation of children while ensuring confidentiality of all documents maintained in the department. Assist in creating and maintaining accurate confidential records within applicable regulations and performance standards. Prepare and maintain all necessary paperwork and records according to CACFP guidelines. Pick and review orders of all shopping lists provided. May order food and related items. 5% Professional Development and Role Expectations Maintain an organized classroom, cleaning up after each activity and assisting staff with the special needs of the entire center. Continue professional growth by attending classes and workshops, reading new materials, and contributing resource ideas to the program. Travel for business purposes within Head Start service area. 5% Federal Head Start Program Performance Standards, state and local regulations, rules, and requirements compliance. Maintain strict confidentiality of all records and documents. Maintain department records and reports in a secure manner. Represent Drake University and Drake University Head Start in a professional manner. Treat clients, co-workers, staff, parents and community members with respect and civility, and always ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. React to change productively, maintain prompt and regular attendance, and perform all other duties as assigned. Promote Head Start philosophy and initiatives. Special Instructions to Applicants: For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter. If you have any questions about this job positing or the application process, please email [e-mail] A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: Benefits Overview | Drake University. One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here: Benefits Overview | Drake University. 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More than 900 faculty and staff members have chosen Drake as the place to further their careers. The University values our faculty and staff and strives to create an exceptional working environment. Inspire lifelong learning through tuition benefits for employees and their eligible dependents/partner to pursue degrees at Drake Encourage work/life balance through competitive personal time, vacation and holiday schedule, including an extended Winter Break Practice shared governance and strategic planning through various representative bodies, including Faculty Senate and All Staff Council Support research through internal and external grants as well as through collaborative student engagement All In This Together - Drake Bulldogs find a home where they can pursue their passions and ideas while having an impact on the future of our University. One of Drake’s top strategic priorities is to maintain and build our inclusive community. 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