Teacher- (Southridge 5) - 998092

Drake University; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Drake University Head Start is seeking a preschool classroom Teacher for the Southridge classroom. You will lead daily activities, implement early childhood curriculum, and assess progress to support development and readiness for kindergarten.

The ideal candidate holds an Early Childhood Education degree (or related) and has at least one year of preschool experience, with ability to meet state licensing requirements and insurance eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or related field.
• One year of experience in a preschool environment.
• Ability to pass state childcare licensing requirements.
• Be insured by the University’s insurance carrier.

Responsibilities

• Maintain children’s files and monitoring progress to align curriculum with development.
• Lead instruction following lesson plans and adapt to learner needs.
• Communicate with families while keeping records confidential.
• Collaborate to develop curriculum and ensure a safe classroom environment.
• Supervise in-class Food Program and assist during meals.
• Conduct family home visits and participate in service activities as needed.
• Adhere to Head Start standards and maintain professional conduct.

Education

Early Childhood Education degree

Job description

Title

Teacher-10 months (Southridge 5) - 998092

Position Number

998092

Unit/Department

Drake Head Start

Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Department Summary

The Mission of Head Start and Early Head Start is a noble one: “better preparing young children and their families for life experiences 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, & childcare partner locations.

Job Summary

Drake University Head Start is seeking a professional candidate to serve as a preschool classroom Teacher in our Southridge classroom. This position leads daily classroom activities by developing, implementing, and evaluating early childhood curriculum and practice. The ideal candidate will be skilled in delivering lessons focused on social-emotional skills and kindergarten readiness. Each of our Head Start teachers partners with a teacher associate to meet the educational, nutritional, and hygiene needs of children in the classroom.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. or B.A. in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education.
• One year of experience in a preschool environment.
• Ability to pass all state childcare licensing requirements.
• Ability to be insured by the University’s insurance carrier.

Preferred Qualifications

• Early Childhood endorsement
• Current teaching license with special education endorsement.
• Head Start/Early Head Start experience.
• Current driver’s license

Job Duties

• 25% - Maintain children’s files, check off forms at admission, file them and check annually for licensing. Document and monitor children’s progress to evaluate appropriateness of curriculum to meet children’s developmental needs. Create and maintain accurate, confidential reports and records within applicable regulations and performance standards - (Essential)
• 25% - Conduct instruction by following lesson plan while adapting plan to meet individual learning styles. Create a developmentally appropriate environment where children are comfortable enough to verbalize feelings, question, explore, experiment and problem solve. Support children’s social-emotional development. Promote successful classroom performance for each student - (Essential)
• 15% - 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. Ensure the coordination of health issues of child and family with designated nurse - (Essential)
• 15% - Partner with staff in the development and implementation of the curriculum and maintaining a safe, orderly, and high-quality work environment. Ensure an organized, clean classroom and present interesting ideas and activities to share with children - (Essential)
• 10% - Supervise Food Program in the classroom to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations. Participate in mealtime activities by assisting with serving food, eating with the children, and cleaning up after meals - (Essential)
• 5% - Conduct initial and ongoing family home visits and socializations (if applicable). Travel for business purposes within service area - (Essential)
• 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. Continue professional growth by attending classes and workshops, reading new materials, and contributing resources to the program. 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 ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone at all times. React to change productively, maintain prompt and regular attendance, and perform all other duties as assigned. Promote Head Start philosophy and initiatives - (Essential)

Salary and Benefits

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 Drake Benefits Guide 2026. One of our 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. Tuition Benefits

Review of Applications Begins

A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.

Advertised

31 Aug 2026 Central Daylight Time