Toddler Teacher Associate

Job Summary: Teacher Associate

We are seeking a nurturing, attentive, and passionate individual to join our team as a teacher associate. This role involves supporting the healthy development, safety, and emotional wellbeing of infants and children aged 6 weeks through 5 years of age in a licensed child care setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain constant, active supervision of children
• Ensure a safe, clean, hazard‑free classroom and playground
• Follow center policies for sign‑in/out, ratios, and emergency procedures
• Respond calmly and appropriately to accidents or conflicts

Plan and implement age‑appropriate activities that support cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth

• Encourage exploration, creativity, and independence
• Observe children’s behavior and developmental progress
• Adapt activities for individual needs and learning styles

Assist with meals, snacks

• Support toileting, diapering, and hygiene routines
• Help children with transitions, and rest time
• Maintain a predictable daily schedule
• Create a warm, inclusive, and structured environment
• Use positive guidance and behavior‑support strategies
• Organize materials and maintain a tidy classroom
• Prepare learning centers and rotate materials regularly
• Build positive relationships with families
• Share daily updates about routines, behavior, and milestones
• Communicate professionally with coworkers and supervisors
• Participate in team meetings and collaborate on classroom planning
• Complete attendance, incident reports, and developmental notes
• Follow licensing regulations and center policies
• Maintain confidentiality of children and families
• Participate in required training (CPR, first aid, mandated reporter, etc.)

Model respectful, nurturing behavior

• Support coworkers and maintain a cooperative team environment
• Seek feedback and engage in ongoing professional development
• Represent the center positively to families and the community

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (Early Childhood Education coursework preferred)
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain
• Warm, patient, and empathetic approach toward children
• Ability to lift, sit/kneel on the floor as needed
• Clear background check and ability to meet state licensing requirements

Desirable Traits

• Team player with strong communication skills
• Reliable, punctual, and able to multitask
• Passion for creating a supportive and joyful environment for children and families

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $12.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Retirement plan

Application Question(s):

• Are you flexible and available to work as early as 6am Monday thru Friday?

Ability to Commute:

• Ottumwa, IA 52501 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $12