Teacher Associate (Merle Hay) - 997829

Title

Teacher Associate (Merle Hay) - 997829

Position Number: 997829

Unit/Department: Drake Head Start

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

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

This position is responsible for supporting the Lead Teacher with the development, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum and practice for preschool-aged children. The role consists of light cooking, working directly with children, and occasional home visits for Head Start Programs. This position is located at our Merle Hay location.

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 the ability to be insured by the University's insurance carrier.

Preferred Qualifications

Head Start Experience.

CDA (Child Development Associate)

Current Iowa Driver's License

Job Duties

• 45% - Support Lead Teacher Instruction & Child development and behavior. Follow lesson plans while adapting plans to meet individual learning styles. Promote successful classroom performance for each student. Create 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. Share interesting ideas and activities with Lead Teacher 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 to respond to children's environmental needs. 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.
• 35% - Health, Nutrition, and Safety Prepare breakfast, lunch, snack, beverages, and any required recipes by following proper and safe food preparation and sanitation 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. Help children during their daily bathroom routine by offering direction and support when needed, including toileting. Participate in snack/meal activities by assisting staff with serving food, eating with children, and cleaning up after meals.
• 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.
• 5% - Professional Development and 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.
• 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 always ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. React to change productively, maintain prompt and regular attendance, and perform all other duties as assigned. Promote Head Start philosophy and initiatives.

Special Instructions to Applicants

For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter.

If you have any questions about this job positing or the application process, please email jackie.pafford@drake.edu [jackie.pafford@drake.edu] .

Review of Applications Begins

A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.

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 2026 [https://drakeedu.sharepoint.com/sites/HumanResources/SiteAssets/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FHumanResources%2FSiteAssets%2FSitePages%2FBenefits%2FOpenEnrollment%2F2026%20Benefits%20Guide%20small%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FHumanResources%2FSiteAssets%2FSitePages%2FBenefits%2FOpenEnrollment].
• 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 [https://www.drake.edu/hr/benefitsoverview/tuitionbenefits/]