Early Childhood Preschool Teacher Associate

Job title: Early Childhood Preschool Teacher Associate

About the Role

This is a full-time, year-round position at Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) where the employee operates a developmentally appropriate early childhood classroom in cooperation with ECE Associates and Lead Associates. The role supports the development and implementation of learning experiences for individual and groups of children aged birth to 5, ensuring portfolios and standards are up to date through regular communication with families and conferences.

What You'll Do

• Operate and organize a developmentally appropriate early childhood classroom with the Lead Teacher and ECE team.
• Plan, post, and implement daily and weekly lesson plans aligned to documented goals and objectives.
• Maintain open communication with the Lead Teacher, Director, staff, and families; report concerns as appropriate.
• Assist in supervising ECE students during labs and practica, modeling developmentally appropriate practices.
• Use various assessment instruments to monitor children’s development and learning.
• Conduct two parent–teacher conferences per year per child in coordination with the Lead Teacher.
• Ensure confidentiality and uphold ethical standards; maintain safety and cleanliness of the classroom and equipment.
• Maintain records of accidents, injuries, and administration of medications as required.
• Complete safety checks, drills, and participate in ongoing staff development and meetings.
• Mentor and support Associate Teachers and student workers in line with Center Program Standards.
• Engage in professional growth planning to meet DHS licensing and CACFP requirements.

What We're Looking For

• Designs developmentally appropriate lesson plans with the Teaching Strategies curriculum, meeting NAEYC, IQ4K, and Iowa licensing standards.
• Involves children in planning child-led activities and investigations; provides individualized activities based on developmental portfolios.
• Designs safe, developmentally appropriate learning environments for birth to age 5 and ensures child safety.
• Attends department and program meetings; supervises work-study students and staff to ensure quality interactions and activities.
• Mentors and supports Associate Teachers and Center staff in best practices; uses classroom information to inform curricula.
• Maintains confidentiality for children, families, students, and colleagues.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with Gold Assessment, Teaching Strategies, and Center app tools.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $16.00 per hour. Onsite, full-time position with year-round responsibilities.