Multi-School Float Educator

At Yellow Brick Road, we’re on a mission to put good humans into the world and leave it better than we found it. Our team creates warm, inclusive, and joyful environments where children, families, and staff can thrive. If you’re energized by purpose, connection, and meaningful work, you’ll love being part of a community that invests in your growth and celebrates what makes you exceptional.

The Float Educator is a full-time, benefit-eligible team member guaranteed a minimum of 32 hours per week who supports multiple schools within the Des Moines Iowa region. Floats step in wherever they are needed most, covering Lead and Assistant Educator absences, open positions, and high-need classrooms, so that every child receives consistent, high-quality care and education. Guided by the Regional Director and each School Director, the Float Educator maintains a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment while following each classroom’s established routines and expectations. This role is ideal for a flexible, adaptable educator who brings stability to classrooms, builds connections quickly, and embraces our core values at every school they serve. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Classroom Coverage & Continuity

• Fill in for Lead or Assistant Educators across schools in the assigned region, following provided lesson plans, classroom routines, and individual child care plans. 
• Implement play-based, age-appropriate activities that support children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, aligned with early learning standards. 
• Provide consistency for children during staff absences, transitions, and vacancies, helping maintain a positive classroom culture that fosters belonging, safety, and curiosity. 

2. Supervision, Health, & Safety

• Actively supervise and engage children at all times, maintaining required state ratios and group sizes. 
• Follow Iowa child care licensing regulations, health and safety procedures, and YBR policies at each school. 
• Report accidents, incidents, or suspected child abuse or neglect immediately as required by law and company policy. 

3. Daily Care Routines & Classroom Environment

• Support children’s daily routines, including meals, rest time, diapering and toileting, transitions, and outdoor play. 
• Foster a respectful, safe, and nurturing environment, modeling positive behaviors and guiding children with gentleness, consistency, and positive reinforcement. 
• Partner with staff to maintain classroom cleanliness, organization, and safety standards, including daily cleaning and sanitizing of toys, surfaces, and equipment. 

4. Family Communication & Documentation

• Greet families warmly at drop-off and pick-up, supporting communication through the Lead Educator or School Director. 
• Use the Parent Communication app to document daily needs, observations, and updates for families. 
• Share relevant observations with classroom teams to support continuity of care and each child’s individual learning and development. 

5. Regional Flexibility & Teamwork

• Report to assigned schools as scheduled by the Regional Director, adapting to daily or same-day changes in location, age group, and classroom assignment. 
• Build positive working relationships with School Directors and educators across the region, quickly learning each school’s routines and expectations. 
• When not assigned to cover a classroom, support schools as directed, which may include ratio support, breaks, classroom preparation, and onboarding support for new educators. 

6. Professional Development

• Complete all required training and maintain state licensing requirements, embracing our core value of innovation. 
• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in early childhood education. 
• Share ideas, resources, and best practices observed across schools to strengthen consistency and collaboration throughout the region. 

7. Schedule & Travel

• Hours: Full-time, guaranteed 40 hours per week; schedule may vary based on regional coverage needs. 
• Benefits: Eligible for YBR’s full-time benefits package. 
• Travel: Travels between schools within the assigned region; assignments may change daily or with short notice. 

8. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of early childhood development principles and best practices. 
• Flexibility and adaptability to work across multiple schools, age groups, and classroom routines. 
• Calm, professional demeanor and ability to work effectively under stress. 
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with a commitment to teamwork. 
• Ability to build trust quickly with children, families, and colleagues in new settings. 

9. Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to actively supervise children at all times, including maintaining visual and auditory awareness across classrooms, playgrounds, and common areas. 
• Must be able to lift, carry, and hold children and classroom materials weighing up to 50 pounds as needed. 
• Ability to bend, kneel, squat, and sit on the floor for extended periods throughout the day. 
• Ability to stand, walk, and move quickly for extended periods during indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather. 
• Capable of assisting children with daily care routines, including diapering, toileting, feeding, and dressing. 
• Ability to safely respond to emergencies, including evacuating children and performing pediatric CPR and First Aid. 
• Physical ability to maintain a clean and safe environment, including light cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing classroom materials. 

What You’ll Need:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous teaching or childcare experience preferred.
• Associate’s degree, CDA, or coursework in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Ability to pass a background check and meet Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) child care center licensing requirements, including required health and safety and mandatory reporter training.
• Must possess a valid Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification, or be willing to obtain within 30 days of employment.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license to travel between schools within the assigned region. 

What We Offer:

• Ongoing Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
• 401(k) Plan
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Employee Childcare Discount

The starting pay range for this position is $14 to $18 hourly and is applicable for candidates who will be working in the following location[s] Iowa. This range is subject to adjustment for other geographic work locations. In addition to geographic location, Yellow Brick Road considers education, experience, internal equity, market demands, and other qualifying criteria to determine starting wages.

In addition to compensation benefits, Yellow Brick Road offers a variety of health and welfare benefits, based on eligibility, including medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and career development.