Careers

Lead Teachers are the primary classroom leaders in our programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and afterschool. They develop the curriculum and schedule for their program, including Christian teachings, academic skills, and social development. They are responsible for providing a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment and following all Center policies and guidelines outlined by the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS). 

This is a full-time role of 35+ hours per week with competitive pay and benefits.

Additional responsibilities include (but are not limited to): 

• Maintain child/staff ratio ensuring that children are always supervised and notifying the on-site supervisor of changes when they occur. Work with assistant teachers to maintain correct ratios.
• Lead in the teaching of Christian curriculum per the Center’s mission which include weekly Bible verses, guest teachers, Christian songs and prayer
• Develop and follow a consistent schedule, which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals and effective transitions between activities.
• Encourage and coach the children in experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice-making.
• Lead children in meal-time, sleep, and bathroom activities, helping to instill healthy habits
• Obtain all DHS required training and ensure it is current per the State guidelines.
• Maintain daily records including meal sheets, sign in/out sheets, medical sheets, incident reports, infant communication logs, etc.
• Report evidence of suspected abuse/neglect to DHS and Director.
• Establish relationships with individual children and families; confer with parents to discuss the development of their enrolled children.
• Assist and/or lead in the cleaning and maintaining of all program equipment, appliances and Center facilities per policies and cleaning check lists.
• If scheduled, lead in opening and closing the center which may include preparing, organizing and tidying rooms at the beginning and end of the day.

About you: 

• Must be 18 years of age or older to apply
• 3+ years of experience in a child-care setting is desired 
• Must possess a true commitment to and understanding of the social, emotional, physical, cognitive and creative development of children
• Independent, organized, adaptable and reliable‍
• Conducts yourself according to Christian ethics at all times

Think you would be a great fit (or know someone else who would)?. We'd love to have you join our dynamic, growing community of passionate educators and families! Email info@gc4childcare.com to apply.

We’re looking for caring and enthusiastic Assistant Teachers to join our rapidly growing childcare team. Assistant Teachers will work closely with Lead Teachers to create a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and feel loved every day. This role involves assisting with daily classroom activities, supervising children, and helping promote their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. 

GC4 is expanding to a brand new, state-of-the-art building in April 2026, and we will soon become the largest childcare center in Hancock County. Now is the ideal time to start a childcare career with our family of passionate educators!

Garner Community Christian Child Care is a non-denominational nonprofit 501(c)3 organization serving working families in the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura (GHV) school district and beyond. With a faith-based approach to child development, we aim to nurture children’s God-given talents in a caring and stimulating atmosphere.

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Operational Duties:

• Support the Lead Teacher with daily activities, lessons, and play-based learning
• Help supervise children to ensure they are safe, happy, and engaged
• Assist with everyday routines such as meals, diapering/toileting, nap time, and transitions
• Create a warm, welcoming classroom by helping keep the space clean and organized
• Encourage positive behavior and help children build social and emotional skills
• Observe children and share updates or concerns with the Lead Teacher
• Help with daily communication and reports for families
• Follow all childcare policies, health guidelines, and safety procedures
• Be a positive team player by participating in meetings and trainings

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Training & Orientation:

• Obtain all HHS required training (approx. 30 hours) and ensure it is current per the State guidelines.
• Attend orientation, staff meeting and in-service days as requested (approx. 1x / month).
• Participate in and fully understand all emergency drills and environmental safety activities.

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Administrative Duties:

• Maintain daily records including meal sheets, sign in/out sheets, medical sheets, incident reports, & Brightwheel app daily reports.
• Report evidence of suspected abuse/neglect to HHS and Director, per mandated reporter guidelines.

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Family Relationship Duties:

• If needed, confer with parents to discuss the development of their enrolled children, communicating with families as they arrive and depart for the day.
• Establish relationships with individual children and families and be responsive to requests and comments.
• Identify signs of emotional or developmental problems in children and bring them to the parents’ or guardians’ attention.

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NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must have basic knowledge of child development and standard health and safety practices.
• Must have an ability to adapt to the constantly changing emotional and physical care needs of children.
• Possess good oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to meet and maintain certification for CPR and First Aid and participate in required Center training.

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Work Environment & Physical Requirements: 

This job operates in a child care environment. The position will interact with children in early learning classrooms daily and will include time spent outdoors. Occasionally, the position will assist in field trips.  

Assistant Teachers may be asked to do the following physical activities, or others, within the scope of this job description: sitting in chairs and on the floor, standing, walking, lifting from 5 to 50 pounds, twisting, bending, squatting, kneeling, etc.

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Expected Hours of Work: 

This is a full-time position, guaranteed for at least 32 hours per week. Assistant Teachers will be scheduled the week prior. Shift length may vary, but averages 8 hours per day. Parameters of hours and workdays are Monday through Friday, 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Evenings and weekend hours may be required for staff meetings and/or job-related training classes on occasion.

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Benefits: 

• GC4 teachers are eligible to receive Child Care Assistance from the State of Iowa for their children to attend GC4 (regardless of income), and we waive the $75 enrollment fee
• Through GC4’s participation in the IQ4K program, employees may be eligible for a TEACH scholarship to get assistance paying early childhood coursework at local institutions of higher education.
• Through GC4’s participation in the IQ4K program, assistant teachers who have earned early childhood certification from an accredited program may be eligible for a WAGE$ salary supplement / stipend.
• This position meets standards for early childhood internship credit, if approved by the student’s home institution.

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Compensation: 

• GC4 provides a base compensation at a gross wage of $10.00 per hour for this position, with significant opportunities for further advancement granted upon achieving key employment milestones.
• Upon completion of six months of service, an employee is eligible for a wage increase of $0.50/hour. After two years of service, employees may see annual wage increases of $1/hour. See Director for further details.
• To support our expedited expansion, GC4 is currently offering a sign-on bonus of $250 for employees who complete paperwork by March 5, 2026 for a start date the week of April 5, 2026. Employees must complete 3 months of service to receive the full bonus; otherwise they will have to pay back a prorated amount based on their length of service.

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To apply, please submit an application on Indeed.com.