Substitute Educator

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off & holidays

Childcare discount

Job summary

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center is seeking a Substitute Educator in Iowa to support classrooms when regular staff are absent. You will help maintain a safe, nurturing environment and follow established routines while working under the Director and Administration.

The role requires flexibility, strong communication, and a genuine love for working with children. Benefits include health insurance, PTO, childcare discounts, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Requires a calm, professional demeanor and strong communication skills.
• Flexible to accept sub shifts and schedule changes; at least 5 shifts per month.
• CPR & First Aid certification or willingness to obtain within 90 days.
• Previous teaching or childcare experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Fill in for Lead or Assistant Educators as needed, following lesson plans and routines.
• Supervise and engage children at all times, maintaining state ratios.
• Support children’s daily routines including meals, rest, diapering, and activities.
• Use the parent communication app to document daily needs and updates for parents.

Skills

Communication

Flexibility

Childcare experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

At Yellow Brick Road, we’re on a mission to put good humans into the world and leave it better than we found it. Our team creates warm, inclusive, and joyful environments where children, families, and staff can thrive. If you’re energized by purpose, connection, and meaningful work, you’ll love being part of a community that invests in your growth and celebrates what makes you exceptional.

As a Substitute Educator, you will step in to support classrooms and ensure children receive quality care and education when regular educators are absent. Guided by the Director and Administration, you will maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment while following established routines and expectations. This role requires flexibility, strong communication, and a genuine love for working with children.

What You’ll Do:

• Fill in for Lead or Assistant Educators as needed, following provided lesson plans and classroom routines.
• Supervise and engage children at all times, maintaining required state ratios.
• Support children’s daily routines, including meals, rest time, diapering/toileting, and activities.
• Use the parent communication app to assist with documentation of daily needs, observations, and parent updates.
• Foster a respectful, safe, and nurturing environment, modeling positive behaviors and guiding children with gentleness and consistency.
• Partner with staff to maintain classroom cleanliness, organization, and safety standards.
• Report accidents, incidents, or suspected child abuse immediately as required by law.
• Greet families warmly at drop-off and pick-up, supporting communication through the Lead Educator or Director.

What You’ll Need:

• High school diploma or GED (required).
• Ability to pass a background check (required).
• Flexibility to accept sub shifts and adapt to schedule changes; must work at least 5 shifts per month to remain active.
• Pediatric CPR & First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days).
• Previous teaching or childcare experience preferred.
• Physical ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs., sit on the floor, kneel, and supervise children indoors and outdoors in varying weather.
• Calm, professional demeanor and ability to work effectively under stress.
• Strong communication skills and commitment to teamwork.

What We Offer:

• Ongoing Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
• 401(k) Plan
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Employee Childcare Discount

The starting pay range for this position is $14 to $16 hourly and is applicable for candidates who will be working in the following location[s] Iowa. This range is subject to adjustment for other geographic work locations. In addition to geographic location, Yellow Brick Road considers education, experience, internal equity, market demands, and other qualifying criteria to determine starting wages.

In addition to compensation benefits, Yellow Brick Road offers a variety of health and welfare benefits, based on eligibility, including medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and career development.

Yellow Brick Road offers medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid time off and holidays, childcare discounts, and an employee assistance program.

Iowa Pay Range: $14 USD - $16 USD