Preschool Assistant Teacher- St Matthew Early Learning Center

Young World Physical Education; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Generous Paid Time Off

401(k) Retirement Plan

Job summary

A dedicated child care center in Cedar Rapids is seeking a part-time Preschool Associate to provide care for children and collaborate with staff to implement activity plans. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized classroom, fostering relationships with children and families, and following health and safety protocols. The ideal candidate should be at least 16 years old, possess a positive attitude, and be flexible and reliable. A faith-filled environment and competitive salary package offered.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions.
• Ability to write simple correspondence and be technology proficient.
• Positive attitude and flexible reliability.

Responsibilities

• Provide care for children during their time at the center.
• Collaborate with staff to implement activity plans.
• Maintaining a clean and organized classroom.

Job description

Preschool Associate - St Matthew Early Learning Center

TeachIowa Xavier Catholic Schools - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Job Details

Job ID: 5650382 | Application Deadline: Posted until filled | Posted: Apr 16, 2026 1:15 PM (UTC) | Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

St Matthew Early Learning Center is a dedicated and nurturing child care center committed to providing a safe, engaging, and educational environment for children. We are currently seeking passionate, responsible, and caring individuals to join the two‑year old childcare team and help make a positive impact in the lives of the children we serve.

Position Overview

As a Preschool Associate, you provide care for children during their time at the early learning center and/or preschool. You work in cooperation with the Director/School Administrator, Lead Teacher, and other staff to implement activity plans, help set up activities, and care for the children.

Responsibilities

• Carries out the mission of Xavier Catholic Schools within the learning community through daily actions, leadership, and service.
• Consistently represents Xavier Catholic Schools in a professional, courteous, and positive manner.
• Fosters a professional work environment centered on respect, confidentiality, and excellent customer service.
• Demonstrates professionalism by engaging in respectful and focused communication, offering constructive feedback, building positive relationships with colleagues, and limiting personal phone use during work hours.
• Fosters an inclusive environment by accepting and respecting the diversity of children, parents, and coworkers.
• Consistently delivers high‑quality work while maintaining efficiency.
• Maintain training as required by the State of Iowa Health and Human Services and the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
• Attend staff meetings, school programs, in‑service training, and other training as requested.
• Consistently maintains attendance, arrives promptly at the scheduled time, and follows protocol to arrange for time off.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and presentable classroom.
• Welcome children upon arrival by engaging them in activities to ease their transition, and support their departure by helping gather belongings and communicating important updates to parents.
• Foster positive and collaborative relationships with children, families, staff members, and the wider community.
• Partner with families to support classroom activities, including field trips, volunteer opportunities, and special events.
• Follow the daily schedule and implement the day’s lesson plan by preparing necessary materials and supplies, setting up learning centers, assisting with general housekeeping, supervising children, and supporting daily meals and snacks, including family‑style dining.
• Integrate and support the faith curriculum through daily prayer and lessons that promote our Catholic faith.
• Follow and support the classroom management plan to ensure the safety and security of all children.
• Treat all children with dignity and respect, in a fair and consistent manner.
• Help children to develop appropriate habits and social‑emotional skills in all classroom activities and routines.
• Maintain active supervision over assigned children.
• Model appropriate behavior and language at all times around children and staff, while maintaining constant awareness and professionalism in the presence of children.
• Remain calm during emergencies and serious situations, and report the situation immediately to the Lead Teacher or Director.
• Exercise sound judgment during stressful situations and refer to the director as needed.
• Perform regular inspections of play equipment and report safety concerns to the Lead Teacher and Director.
• Promote resourcefulness by being a good steward of classroom materials and remaining mindful of budgetary limitations.
• Inform the lead teacher of all accidents and illnesses involving children, and assist with communication and incident report documentation to ensure compliance with HHS regulations.
• Uphold, support, and promote all policies and procedures of the State of Iowa HHS, Archdiocese of Dubuque, and XCS Schools and ELC centers.
• Work toward continuous quality improvement, such as any ELC center or state‑wide initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead Teacher or Director; responsibilities may vary and are not limited to the tasks listed above.

Qualifications

• Per HHS, must be 16 years of age.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence; be technology proficient.
• Able to share information clearly with families and coworkers in one‑on‑one or small group settings.
• Able to utilize problem‑solving skills.
• Maintains a positive and helpful attitude at all times.
• Be flexible, reliable and willing to accept responsibility.
• Works cohesively with team members to create a positive, supportive, and collaborative environment.
• Demonstrates the ability to adapt to shifting priorities and the changing needs of children and staff.
• Maintains composure under pressure when responding to inquiries, resolving complaints, or identifying emergencies.
• Demonstrates initiative and the ability to work independently.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles information with discretion and professionalism.
• Practicing Catholic preferred.

Physical / Mental Demands

The employee must demonstrate emotional stability and maintain self‑control under stressful or high‑pressure situations, including those involving children, families, or staff. The role may involve occasional flexibility in scheduled hours. Physical demands include frequent standing, walking, talking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, floor sitting, and attentive listening. The employee must be able to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Working Environment

The work environment may include wet or messy conditions during 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 complete computer work 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: We offer a competitive salary that rewards your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Full medical, dental, and vision plans are provided.
• Generous Paid Time Off: We believe in work‑life balance and offer ample paid time off.
• Life & Long‑Term Disability Insurance: Receive peace of mind with our life and LTD insurance options.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Company matching is available to help you save for tomorrow.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Position Type

Part‑time

Job Categories

Classroom Teacher > Early Childhood
Classroom Teacher > Preschool

Contact Information

Connie Schulte, Director of Early Learning
Xavier Catholic Schools
Phone: 319‑739‑7300 ext 413
Email: [e-mail]

If interested, apply or contact Jenna Ackman, ELC Site Director for All Saints at [e-mail] or 319‑298‑9844.