Head Start Assistant Teacher - Coral Ridge

Hawkeye Area Community Action Program•Coralville, IA

About The Position

Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. (HACAP) is a nonprofit organization serving families and individuals across nine counties. The Head Start Assistant Teacher supports the Teacher in planning, implementing, and maintaining a nurturing, supportive educational program for participating children. The Assistant Teacher serves as the designated lead Head Start staff person when the Teacher is not present in the classroom. This is a full-time position working 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on an extended-day, school-year schedule. The hourly pay range is $17.24–$19.81, depending on education and experience. The starting rate is $17.24 for Assistant Teachers who have not obtained a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. Assistant Teachers are required to obtain their CDA within their first year of employment; HACAP will guide employees through obtaining it, and pay increases to $19.81 per hour once it is acquired. The application deadline is November 8, 2026. Applicants should attach any relevant training records, transcripts, or diplomas. Employment conditions include identity verification, reliable transportation, required background and fingerprint clearances, and pre-employment and recurring health examinations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least three months of experience working in a childcare setting.
Obtain a CDA within the first year of employment if not already held.
Valid ID.
Reliable transportation.
Clearance by the Iowa Department of Human Services on child abuse and criminal checks before hire, with resubmission every two years.
Clearance through National FBI fingerprint checks before hire or the center start date, with resubmission every four years.
Pass a pre-employment health examination and subsequent health examinations every three years.

Nice To Haves

Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
Child Development Associate (CDA) certification.

Responsibilities

Support the Teacher in planning, implementing, and maintaining a nurturing and supportive educational program for participating children.
Serve as the designated lead Head Start staff person when the Teacher is not present in the classroom.
Obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification within the first year of employment.

Benefits

Paid time off and 11 company-paid holidays.
Short-term disability after one year of employment.
Basic life and AD&D insurance.
Employee assistance program.
Voluntary dental coverage.
Voluntary insurance plans, including voluntary life, long-term disability, critical illness, and accident insurance.
Health and vision insurance.
Flexible spending accounts.
Retirement savings through IPERS or a 403(b) plan, with a company match of up to 9.44% of gross wages.
Corporate Advantage Partnership Education Program with Mount Mercy and Upper Iowa University.