Therapeutic Childcare Specialist

Tanager Place; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

EAP

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Weekly payroll

Job summary

Tanager Place in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Therapeutic Childcare Specialist (Part Time) to support children in a therapeutic classroom. You will provide direct care, supervise activities, and help maintain a safe, nurturing, and structured environment tailored to emotional and developmental goals.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed, relationship-based care and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team to support each child’s treatment plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or current coursework in Social Work, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Psychology, or another related field
• Previous experience working with children in a classroom, childcare, behavioral health, or group care setting
• Knowledge or experience using trauma-informed approaches and positive behavior support strategies

Responsibilities

• Direct care, supervision, and support to children enrolled in the Therapeutic Child Care program
• Assist with classroom routines, therapeutic interventions, and developmentally appropriate activities
• Collaborate with TCC supervisor and interdisciplinary team to support children's treatment goals through trauma-informed and relationship-based care

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Education

4 Year Degree

Job description

Job Location: Med Quarter - Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

Position Type: Part Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Job Shift: Day

Make a Difference — Become a Therapeutic Childcare Specialist with Tanager

Are you looking for a role where you can truly change lives? Imagine being the reason a child smiles again, builds self-confidence, or discovers a new dream. As a Therapeutic Childcare Specialist at Tanager, you won’t just have a job — you’ll have a purpose. Every interaction you have can shape a child’s future, helping them feel seen, supported, and safe. If you believe in the power of human connection, healing, and growth, this is your chance to help a child discover their potential.

About Tanager

Since 1879, we’ve been dedicated to supporting children and families in Linn County and as the first children's human services agency in the county, our mission continues to evolve with the needs of our community. Today, we serve over 4,000 children and teens annually through prevention, treatment, and outreach programs.

We’re more than a non-profit — we’re a community of caregivers working together to Inspire, Empower, and Heal.

Position Overview

Tanager's Bright Foundations Therapeutic Child Care (TCC) is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and flexible part time team member to support children in a therapeutic classroom environment. TCC team members play an important role in maintaining a safe, nurturing, and structured setting for children while supporting the social, emotional, and developmental goals of the program. This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about working with children, enjoy being part of a collaborative team, and are looking for flexible scheduling opportunities.

The Therapeutic Child Care Specialist provides direct care, supervision, and support to children enrolled in the Therapeutic Child Care program. This role assists with classroom routines, therapeutic interventions, and developmentally appropriate activities while helping maintain a safe and supportive environment. TCC team members work collaboratively with the TCC supervisor and interdisciplinary team to support children's treatment goals through trauma-informed and relationship-based care.

Why Choose Tanager?

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and pet insurance
• Financial Security: Retirement plan, employer-paid life, short & long-term disability
• Wellbeing Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Work-Life Balance: 10 paid holidays, Compassionate Leave, generous PTO policy
• Growth Support: tuition reimbursement and opportunities for advancement
• Convenient Pay: Weekly payroll
• And most of all — the chance to inspire hope and make a lasting impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or current coursework in Social Work, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Psychology, or another related field
• Previous experience working with children in a classroom, childcare, behavioral health, or group care setting
• Knowledge or experience using trauma-informed approaches and positive behavior support strategies