ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Community Action Head Start Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

HACAP

Head Start Assistant Teacher (Part-Time)

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$18.79 - $21.59/hr

Description Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. (HACAP) is a dynamic nonprofit organization ... Job Title: Head Start Assistant Teacher (Part-Time) Position Type: Part-Time Limited Status, 20 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCommunity Action Head Start JobsCommunity Action Head Start Jobs in Iowa

Community Action Head Start information

What is a Community Action Head Start?

A Community Action Head Start is a federally funded early childhood education program that provides comprehensive services to low-income children and their families. Operated by Community Action Agencies, Head Start programs focus on promoting school readiness by offering educational, health, nutritional, and social services. They serve children from birth to age five, including those with disabilities, and actively engage parents and families in their child's development. The goal is to give children a strong foundation for learning and success in school and life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Action Head Start professional?

To thrive as a Community Action Head Start professional, you need a background in early childhood education, child development, and family engagement, often requiring at least an associate or bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. Familiarity with educational assessment tools, classroom management systems, and compliance with Head Start Performance Standards is essential. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving skills help build supportive relationships with children, families, and the community. These abilities are crucial for fostering children's growth, meeting regulatory requirements, and supporting the overall mission of Head Start programs.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Community Action Head Start professional, and how can they be addressed?

A common challenge for Community Action Head Start professionals is balancing administrative responsibilities with direct engagement with children and families. Navigating diverse family needs, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams can also be demanding. Effective time management, ongoing professional development, and strong communication with staff and families are essential strategies for overcoming these challenges. Many organizations support their teams with regular training and a collaborative work environment to foster success.

What is the difference between Community Action Head Start vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectCommunity Action Head StartPreschool Teacher
Required CredentialsChild Development Associate (CDA), early childhood education creditsChild Development Associate (CDA), early childhood education credits
Work EnvironmentHead Start centers, community programs, early childhood education settingsPreschools, daycare centers, early childhood classrooms
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, government-funded programsPrivate and public preschools, childcare centers
Job FocusComprehensive child development, family engagement, program administrationTeaching preschool children, classroom management, lesson planning

While both roles focus on early childhood education, Community Action Head Start involves broader responsibilities including family engagement and program coordination, often within nonprofit or government-funded settings. Preschool Teachers primarily focus on classroom instruction and child development within preschool environments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in early childhood education.

What are popular job titles related to Community Action Head Start jobs in Iowa?

For Community Action Head Start jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Community Action Head Start jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Action Head Start jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Community Action Head Start jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Community Action Head Start job openings:

Community Action Head Start jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Action Head Start job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Head Start Assistant Teacher - Denison

Iowa Community Action Association - West Central Community Action

Denison, IA • On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

West Central Community Action seeks an Assistant Teacher for our Denison Head Start Program.

Duties include assisting teacher in planning, volunteer recruitment, classroom activities, home visits, reporting, and other activities. Assistant Teachers are appropriate role models for children and parents through exhibiting good communication, problem solving and overall positive attitude.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Be knowledgeable with and abide by WCCA Agency and Head Start Program policies and procedures while working with families and within the communities we serve.

  • Participate in coaching as determined by the Teacher Strengths and Needs Assessment or other relevant data.

  • Assist in classroom organization and setting up learning centers according to the developmental level and individual needs of preschool age children following Creative Curriculum® and Positive Behaviors Interventions Supports (PBIS®). Rotate materials routinely to maintain a stimulating environment.

  • Provide input to the teacher to create appropriate daily lesson and individualization plans using Teacher Strategies Gold (TSG®), screenings, Individual Education Plans (IEP), PBIS® and parent goals.

  • Observe, collect, and enter accurate anecdotal records into Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG)® daily.

  • Create and maintain family relationships by providing open, respectful, and consistent communication.

  • Participate in family-style meals and snack with children according to their age and developmental needs.

  • Engage with children in group and individual setting at all times.

  • Support children and families during periods of transition.

  • Operate the Head Start classroom in absence of the teacher.

  • Ability to perform light physical work, exerting up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis, performing such activities as: lifting children, stooping, kneeling, crouching, grasping, sitting, running, catching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, and pulling.

  • Demonstrated flexibility in completion of daily duties to meet the needs of the program.
  • Ability to be patient, resolve conflicts while being gentle, loving, kind, creative, and resourceful.
  • Ability to problem solve, plan, and organize self, classroom, and volunteers.
  • Ability to operate computers and general office equipment.

 Education Requirements

  • Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for preschool or AA/AS in Early Childhood Education is preferred.

  • High School Diploma or G.E.D. and prior experience working with preschool age children is required. Assistant Teachers are required to gain a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or an AA/AS in Early Childhood within two (2) years of hire.

Valid, active and current driver's license, dependable transportation and current & valid auto liability insurance are required for this position.

This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 38-weeks per year and will work with 3 - 5 year old children. Our 38 week schedule begins in August and will end in May.

Benefits include Health, dental and life insurance, vacation/sick pay, paid holidays, IPERS and 403(B) retirement programs.


All WCCA Head Start staff members are required to complete background check which includes fingerprinting.

Apply