Looking for daycare careers in Cresco, Iowa where you can make a real difference in children’s lives? At Kessel Kids Child Care & Learning Center, we provide meaningful opportunities for people who are passionate about working with kids and supporting families.
Whether you’re an experienced early childhood educator or exploring childcare careers for the first time, you’ll find a welcoming team and a chance to grow professionally while helping children thrive.
Why You’ll Love Working at Kessel Kids
When you join our team, you’re not just taking a job—you’re starting a daycare career where your work matters every day. Here’s what makes Kessel Kids a great place to work:
Supportive team environment – collaborate with passionate, family-focused coworkers
Professional growth – training, mentorship, and continuing education opportunities
Meaningful work – help shape the lives of children in a safe, nurturing environment
Flexible schedules & benefits – paid time off, retirement options, and more
Explore Our Current Job Openings
We regularly offer opportunities across a range of daycare careers. Click each position to see full details, responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits.
Lead With Heart. Champion Kids, Families, and Staff.
Full Time | Leadership Role | Impact-Driven Work
We’re looking for a warm, energetic leader who loves creating joyful, safe spaces where children can learn and grow. As our Executive Director, you’ll support amazing educators, guide daily operations, build strong family and community relationships, and help shape a center where kids thrive.
If you’re mission-driven, collaborative, and excited to lead a team that puts children first, we’d love to meet you.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead staff performance, coaching, and professional development
- Oversee hiring, orientation, and leadership team support
- Manage grants, payroll, billing, budget monitoring, and reporting
- Build community partnerships and support fundraising efforts
- Ensure compliance with licensing, policies, and staff/child file requirements
- Oversee enrollment, family orientation, and transitions
- Support curriculum evaluation and program improvement
Schedule:
Between 7 a.m.–5 p.m., varies as needed to support center operations.
Benefits:
- 401(k) with employer match
- Employer-paid Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance
- Optional, employee-paid Dental, Vision & Accident Insurance
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Continuing education opportunities
- Family-friendly, high-energy team environment
Qualifications:
- Iowa HHS Director Qualification or in progress
- State and national criminal and child abuse background checks and be approved for involvement with child care
Apply Now: Please send a cover letter and resume to: hmmanske@gmail.com.
Inspire Teachers. Support Classrooms. Celebrate Kids.
Full Time | Program Leadership | Hands-On Classroom Support
We’re looking for an educational leader who loves being around children and believes in creating classrooms where curiosity, joy, and belonging come first. If you light up when you see great teaching in action and enjoy supporting staff so they can do their best work, this role will feel like home.
As our Director of Education & Programming, you’ll guide curriculum, strengthen classroom quality, coach and encourage teachers, and help shape meaningful program development. You’ll partner closely with the Executive Director to ensure every learning environment is safe, engaging, and full of warmth for the children we serve.
If you’re supportive, hands-on, and excited to help both kids and educators thrive, we’d be excited to meet you.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coach and mentor classroom staff
- Support curriculum planning, assessments, and child development tracking
- Monitor classroom efficiency and behavior support
- Lead school-age programming and activity planning
- Support Procare use and classroom documentation
- Plan fundraising events and employee culture activities
- Maintain ITERS/ECERS/SACERS/PBIS/Med Admin training requirements
- Lead monthly committee meetings
Schedule:
Between 7 a.m.–5 p.m., varies as needed to support center operations.
Benefits:
- 401(k) with employer match
- Employer-paid Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance
- Optional, employee-paid Dental, Vision & Accident Insurance
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Continuing education opportunities
- Family-friendly, high-energy team environment
Qualifications:
- Iowa HHS Director Qualification or in progress
- State and national criminal and child abuse background checks and be approved for involvement with child care
Apply Now: Please send a cover letter and resume to: hmmanske@gmail.com.
Paid Internship Opportunities
Our paid internships are designed for college students looking for hands-on experience in daycare careers. Interns work with school-age children (ages 5–9) and gain skills in:
- Classroom management
- Planning and leading activities
- Communication and teamwork
- Mentorship from experienced childcare professionals
Paid College Internship – School‑Age Program Coordinator (Ages 5–9)
Are you a college student looking for meaningful, hands‑on experience working with children? We’re excited to offer a PAID School‑Age Internship supporting our summer program for children ages 5–9.
This internship is a great opportunity to gain real‑world experience in child development, education, and classroom support—while getting paid for the work you do.
Internship Highlights:
- Paid internship – $16/hour
- Work directly with school‑age children (ages 5–9)
- Plan, schedule and participate in activities, coordinate with other summer programs (Park and Rec, Library, etc) and spend lots of time outside!
- Build skills in classroom management, communication, and teamwork
- Learn from experienced childcare professionals in a supportive environment
Schedule:
Flexible hours available within our operating day of 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., based on program needs.
Ideal for Students Studying:
- Education
- Child Development
- Human Services
- Psychology
- Social Work (or related fields)
If you enjoy working with kids and want paid, hands‑on experience that complements your college studies, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send a cover letter and resume to: hmmanske@gmail.com by April 15th
Join Our Team and Make a Difference
We’re looking for individuals who are passionate about working with children, organized, reliable, and excited to grow in their daycare careers. At Kessel Kids, every role contributes to shaping young lives, supporting families, and creating a nurturing, joyful environment for children.
Ready to start a meaningful daycare career in Cresco, IA? Complete our online application today and take the first step toward joining our team.