Department Summary:

The Mission of Head Start and Early Head Start is a noble one: "Better preparing young children and their families for 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, and child care partner locations.

Job Summary:

Drake University Head Start is seeking energetic candidates to join our team of classroom staff and carry out the Head Start/Early Head Start Mission to “better prepare young children and their families for life experiences now and in the future.”

This is a full-time, 9-month position supporting our lead teachers and children in daily classroom activities. Drake University offers excellent benefits, including a tuition waiver and tuition exchange, for employees, their partners, and dependents pursuing a degree.

We are hiring associates who are excited to join a team of dedicated, supportive staff members who take pride in serving the community's families. Prepared to travel to multiple sites across a 6-county service area with the benefit of mileage reimbursement and paid time for travel. Flexibility for adjusting to different classroom settings. The ideal candidate will enjoy participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of early childhood curriculum and practice. The role involves light cooking, direct work with children, and occasional home visits for Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. This role requires travel to more than one classroom site.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School diploma

Ability to obtain Preschool CDA (Child Development Associate) credential certification within two years of hire,

Access to reliable transportation to get to and from your work site daily and ability to be insured by the University's insurance carrier.

Preferred Qualifications:

CDA (Child Development Associate) credential, or other early childhood certification or degree

Head Start Experience

Current Iowa Driver's License

Job Duties:

• 45% - upport various lead teachers by filling in for absences or as an additional staff m mber in the classroom. Occasionally conduct instruction by following lesson plans while adapting plan to meet individual learning styles. Promote successful classroom performance for each student. Foster a developmentally appropriate environment based on interests and individual needs of children where they are comfortable enough to verbalize feelings, question, explore, experiment, and problem solve. Present interesting ideas and activities to share with children. Encourage the child to develop a positive self-concept and support that self-concept with proper guidance and discipline techniques. Develop and maintain good communication while respecting confidentiality. Establish rapport and trust with parents, staff, volunteers, and visitors. Supervise children in non-classroom settings such as indoor large motor activities, playground, outings away from the classroom and arrival and dismissal with families, etc. - (Essential)
• 35% - Health, Nutrition, and Safety Prepare breakfast, lunch, snack, beverages, and any required recipes by following proper and safe food preparation methods. With training and assistance of the Head Start nurse, follow written health/emergency care plans and give medications as directed. Give basic first aid to any child or staff in need. Ensure that all health and safety procedures are followed in all classroom and outdoor activities. Provide assistance to children during their daily bathroom routine by offering direction and support when needed, including the changing of diapers and pull-ups. Participate in snack/meal activities by assisting staff with serving food, eating with children, and cleaning up after meals. - (Essential)
• 10% - Documentation, Records, & Compliance Assist staff with documentation and observation of children while ensuring confidentiality of all documents maintained in the department. Assist in creating and maintaining accurate confidential records within applicable regulations and performance standards. Prepare and maintain all necessary paperwork and records according to CACFP guidelines. Pick and review orders of all shopping lists provided. May order food and related items. - (Essential)
• 5% - Professional Development & Role expectations Maintain an organized classroom, cleaning up after each activity and assisting staff with the special needs of the entire center. Continue professional growth by attending classes and workshops, reading new materials and contributing resource ideas to the program. Travel for business purposes within Head Start service area. React to change productively, maintain prompt and regular attendance. - (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. 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 2025. 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