PreK Assistant

Northeast Iowa Community College; Peosta (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeast Iowa Community College is looking for a candidate to assist the Director or Preschool Coordinator in the Child Development Center's operations. Responsibilities include planning daily programs and promoting children's physical and cognitive development.

The ideal candidate will have an educational background in Early Childhood and a strong desire to work with children. Must meet licensing requirements for state-imposed educational standards and hold certifications in First Aid/CPR.

Qualifications

• Must meet Department of Human Services licensing requirements and State of Iowa PreK associate educational requirements.
• Experience in Early Childhood program is preferred.
• Demonstrates a warm, nurturing, and friendly personality.
• Completion of mandatory reporting training.
• Current physical exam including communicable disease tests.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing the daily preschool program.
• Supervise healthy development of children in the classroom.
• Maintain a safe environment for preschoolers.
• Assist with Gold Standard Curriculum Assessments.

Skills

Early Childhood Education

Child Development

Communication

Team Collaboration

First Aid/CPR Certification

Education

Educational background in Early Childhood

Job description

Job Overview

Assist the Director or Preschool Coordinator for PreK in the activities of the Child Development Center to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the program that has a partnership with the WDCSD for PreK.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing the daily program under the direction of the lead teacher.
• Assist in planning and preparing the preschool learning environment, setting up interest centers, and preparing needed materials and supplies.
• Assist in promoting and supervising the healthy physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of each child.
• Assist in teaching and supervising all activities to ensure each child’s involvement and safety at all times.
• Eats meals with children and encourages the development of good nutrition habits and personal hygiene.
• As part of the preschool team, maintain a safe, secure, warm, nurturing environment for all preschoolers.
• Handle all information pertaining to children, family, and the center with confidentiality and discretion.
• Assist with the coordination of equipment and materials as directed by the Preschool Coordinator.
• Assist in organizing the classroom program and equipment to create a safe, nurturing, warm environment that reflects developmentally appropriate practices and promotes a multi‑cultural, non‑sexist, non‑violent philosophy and curriculum in coordination with the Lead Teacher.
• Implement the recommendations of the center director(s) in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience Requirements: Educational background in Early Childhood is required (must meet Department of Human Services licensing requirements and State of Iowa PreK associate educational requirements).
• Preferred Experience: Experience in Early Childhood program is preferred, especially knowledge in assessment documentation for Gold Standard Curriculum Assessments.
• Personal Qualities: Strong desire to work with children.
• Personality: Demonstrates a warm, nurturing, and friendly personality.
• Relates well to children and supports positive family‑center relationships.
• Mature attitude that allows for effective communication, problem solving, and team building.
• Completion of mandatory reporting training, current certification in First Aid/CPR, and completion of OSHA – Universal Precautions Training.
• Current physical exam including communicable disease tests as defined in section 109.9D.
• Physical vitality and stamina.

Certifications and Licenses

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Essential Functions

• Flexibility to work in either infant/toddler or the preschool room when needed.
• Attend monthly staff meetings.
• Meet weekly with the Preschool Coordinator.
• Attendance, punctuality, and dependability is evidenced.
• Follow personnel policies of the Child Development Center and NICC.
• Maintain required continuing education and training required by DHS guidelines.
• Demonstrate a professional attitude.
• Perform other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor.
• Assist with Gold Standard Curriculum Assessments. These are due to be reported 3 times a year.
• Assist with annual Home Visits for PreK Students.
• Assist in the preparation of semi‑annual Parent/Teacher conferences.
• Attend semi‑annual Parent/Teacher Conferences with the Lead PreK.
• Lead the Summer School Age Program when PreK is not in session for the school year.