Job Information
Iowa State University Head Early Childhood Teacher in Ames, Iowa
Position Title:Head Early Childhood Teacher
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience. Current State of Iowa Standard Teaching License in Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Special Education or Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Education Endorsement (endorsement 100 and/or 103).
Preferred Qualifications:Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
Experience working in a university-affiliated lab school or a research-based early childhood setting.
Knowledge of emerging trends in early childhood education and a commitment to evidence-based teaching practices.
Job Description:
A Unique Opportunity in Early Childhood Education
Join the Child Development Laboratory School at Iowa State University, a distinctive early childhood program that blends high-quality education, research, and hands-on teacher training. As a Head Early Childhood Teacher, you will play a vital role in shaping the next generation of educators while fostering a nurturing, developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children.
Our lab school model provides a collaborative setting where innovation in early childhood education meets research-driven best practices. You will have the unique opportunity to work with practicum students, HDFS faculty, and a highly engaged teaching team to create enriching experiences for children, including those with disabilities.
Why Iowa State University?
Exceptional Benefits Package – Competitive salary, health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and generous paid leave.
Collaborative & Supportive Work Environment – Work alongside university faculty, child development experts, and passionate educators.
Professional Growth & Research Opportunities – Access to cutting-edge resources and professional development in an environment that values education and innovation.
State-of-the-Art Facilities – Teach in a dynamic lab school setting designed for both student learning and teacher training.
Key Responsibilities
Develop & Implement Curriculum: Create and execute developmentally appropriate lesson plans that support the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of young children, including those with disabilities.
Child Assessment & Individualized Learning: Regularly assess children’s development and tailor learning experiences to meet individual needs.
Collaboration & Mentorship: Work closely with faculty and practicum students, providing guidance and mentorship as they develop their teaching skills.
Parent & Community Engagement: Foster open communication with families, providing updates on children’s progress and collaborating on their development.
Team Leadership: Partner with other Lab School staff to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
Level Guidelines• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity• Provides guidance to students
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS806
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: March 7, 2025
Posting Close Date:March 13, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R16541
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.