Child Care Teacher (NE DHHS Qualified)

Job Description

Position Title: Child Care Teacher – Full-Time (NE DHHS Qualified)
Reports To: Child Care Center Director
Date Reviewed & Revised: 08/16/2026

Our mission at High Hopes Child Care Center is to serve families by delivering exceptional, comprehensive and inclusive child care services in the communities in which we operate.

General Summary:

Responsible for the emotional and physical well-being and safety of children in his/her care, the Teacher will prepare children for elementary school by developing their vocabulary, social skills, and behavior.

This is a full-time Teacher position. The employee must meet the qualifications for a Child Care Center Teacher as established by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and must maintain all qualifications, training, and other requirements applicable to the position throughout employment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Teacher will oversee the classroom activities of any assistant teachers, support staff or volunteers. The Teacher will immediately intervene in any situations that cause a safety hazard for a child and will report any violations of center policies and procedures to the Center Director immediately.

Essential Job Functions:

• Structures a developmentally appropriate educational experience in the classroom using methods such as storytelling, games, and activities.
• Teaches students to follow rules and procedures in the classroom and school.
• Monitors students’ progress throughout the year and evaluates preparedness for kindergarten.
• Communicates all progress and concerns with tact and professionalism to parents and the Center Director.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with parents.
• Enforces safety and security standards for children, staff, and visitors.
• Maintains required paperwork for individual student files, attendance and incident reports, and other necessary records.
• Maintains knowledge of research, developments, and best practices in early childhood education.
• Works with parents, Early Development Network staff and other service providers to develop educational plans that support IFSP or IEP goals and works to report progress towards goals to both parents and providers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of early childhood development principles and developmentally appropriate educational practices.
• Enthusiastic personality that will engage preschool children.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with adults and children.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with teachers, support staff, parents, and students in a positive and constructive way.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to plan, manage, and evaluate curriculum.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Brightwheel and other software as required for recordkeeping and documentation.
• Ability to pass required state and federal background checks.
• Willingness to submit to drug testing as requested by employer.
• Must be able to meet and maintain all required training, certifications and continuing education requirements for the role within the timeframes specified by DHHS.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exhibit solid organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Maintain a positive and professional appearance, attitude and work ethic at all times.
• Love working with children and have a strong desire to serve others.
• Be of strong moral character (references may be required).

Education and Experience:

This position requires the applicant to meet Nebraska DHHS qualifications for a Child Care Center Teacher at the time of hire. High Hopes is not offering a DHHS qualification or training plan for this position.

Qualified candidates must be at least 18 years of age, be of good moral character, and already meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, education or child/youth development; or
• Hold an associate degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, education or child/youth development; or
• Hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential; or
• Hold a high school diploma or GED and have at least 1,500 verified clock hours of experience in organized group activities for young children, as indicated by a positive reference from a former employer or supervisor.

Applicants must be able to provide documentation sufficient to verify that they meet one of the above DHHS Teacher qualification requirements. Applicants who do not currently meet one of these qualification pathways will not qualify for this position.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout the classroom.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, or squat to be at eye level with children.

Attendance:

Reliable, consistent attendance is a requirement and essential function of the position. Employees are expected to be punctual and dependable in order to meet the needs of the business. Attendance and responsibility are important factors in evaluating individual performance and continued employment. Employee’s pattern of attendance must not interfere with the key essential functions of the position. Time off is to be scheduled in advance when possible; schedule changes are to be communicated in a timely manner to supervisor; and absences are to be within the guidelines of company policies.

Note:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Pay: $15.00 - $18.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Childcare
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you currently meet at least one of the Nebraska DHHS Child Care Center Teacher qualification pathways listed in this posting?

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
• Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person