OPT Early Childhood Teacher Jobs
Early Childhood Teacher jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in early childhood education, child development, or a related field. Most roles qualify under STEM OPT extension guidelines only if your degree program is STEM-designated. Standard OPT gives you 12 months to work in this field before needing H-1B visa or another visa pathway.
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Get Access To All JobsEmployment Type:
Full time
Shift:
Day Shift
Description:
At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor’s visit or a place to go when you’re in need of medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities – that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well.
MercyOne Central Iowa sets the standard for personalized and radically convenient care in the Des Moines metro area and surrounding counties. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, is the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines and Iowa’s largest medical center, with 802 beds available. The hospital is one of the Midwest’s largest referral centers.
With more than 7,000 colleagues and a medical staff of almost 1,500 physicians and allied health professionals, MercyOne Central Iowa is one of Iowa’s largest employers.
Join the MercyOne Family! We are looking to hire a Teacher – House of Mercy.
As a Teacher at House of Mercy at MercyOne shall be qualified, knowledgeable and able to demonstrate the professional commitment necessary to promote children’s learning and development and to support families’ diverse needs and circumstances. Teachers will use center endorsed curriculum, assessments, and approaches to learning that help each child reach their full potential in all areas of development. Teachers will support children’s social-emotional development by providing a non-biased, nurturing, and supportive environment that focuses on building secure relationships and positive guidance. Teachers will demonstrate a commitment to implement health, safety, and teaching practices that are developmentally appropriate and consistent with NAEYC, Early Head Start and HHS Licensing Standards.
Schedule:
- M – F ; 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
General Requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older and meet all HHS requirements for hire
- Prior work experience within an early childhood center-based program preferred
- Knowledge and skills in child development and early childhood education
- The ability to work with children and families who are experiencing special circumstances (ie. homelessness, substance use, trauma)
- Ability to move and react quickly
- Ability to get up and down from the floor
- Ability to use a computer and Google Platform
- Attends didactic and clinical training sessions as outlined in the course curriculum
- Adheres to attendance requirements
Education:
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent (12 ECE or related credits) or Associates or bachelor’s degree in ECE or related field is required
- Pediatric Heart Saver w/adult module or Heart Saver w/Infant & child modules CPR, first aid and AED certified within three (3) months of hire
- Mandatory Child and Adult Abuse Reporter training is to be completed within the first 30 days of employment
- Completion of Essentials Child Care Pre-service series within the first 90 days of employment
- Completion of Universal Precautions online training within the first 30 days of employment
- ISU-Passport to Early Childhood Education teacher orientation completed within the first 90 days of employment
Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system!
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Employment Type:
Full time
Shift:
Day Shift
Description:
At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor’s visit or a place to go when you’re in need of medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities – that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well.
MercyOne Central Iowa sets the standard for personalized and radically convenient care in the Des Moines metro area and surrounding counties. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, is the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines and Iowa’s largest medical center, with 802 beds available. The hospital is one of the Midwest’s largest referral centers.
With more than 7,000 colleagues and a medical staff of almost 1,500 physicians and allied health professionals, MercyOne Central Iowa is one of Iowa’s largest employers.
Join the MercyOne Family! We are looking to hire a Teacher – House of Mercy.
As a Teacher at House of Mercy at MercyOne shall be qualified, knowledgeable and able to demonstrate the professional commitment necessary to promote children’s learning and development and to support families’ diverse needs and circumstances. Teachers will use center endorsed curriculum, assessments, and approaches to learning that help each child reach their full potential in all areas of development. Teachers will support children’s social-emotional development by providing a non-biased, nurturing, and supportive environment that focuses on building secure relationships and positive guidance. Teachers will demonstrate a commitment to implement health, safety, and teaching practices that are developmentally appropriate and consistent with NAEYC, Early Head Start and HHS Licensing Standards.
Schedule:
- M – F ; 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
General Requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older and meet all HHS requirements for hire
- Prior work experience within an early childhood center-based program preferred
- Knowledge and skills in child development and early childhood education
- The ability to work with children and families who are experiencing special circumstances (ie. homelessness, substance use, trauma)
- Ability to move and react quickly
- Ability to get up and down from the floor
- Ability to use a computer and Google Platform
- Attends didactic and clinical training sessions as outlined in the course curriculum
- Adheres to attendance requirements
Education:
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent (12 ECE or related credits) or Associates or bachelor’s degree in ECE or related field is required
- Pediatric Heart Saver w/adult module or Heart Saver w/Infant & child modules CPR, first aid and AED certified within three (3) months of hire
- Mandatory Child and Adult Abuse Reporter training is to be completed within the first 30 days of employment
- Completion of Essentials Child Care Pre-service series within the first 90 days of employment
- Completion of Universal Precautions online training within the first 30 days of employment
- ISU-Passport to Early Childhood Education teacher orientation completed within the first 90 days of employment
Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system!
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
See all 62+ OPT Early Childhood Teacher Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Early Childhood Teacher Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Early Childhood Teacher
Target private and independent schools first
Private preschools, Montessori schools, and independent early learning centers make hiring decisions faster than public school districts. They're also less bound by union contracts and civil service rules that can complicate OPT hiring timelines for international candidates.
Get your state teaching license early
Many states require an early childhood teaching license or Child Development Associate credential for classroom roles. Starting the licensure process before your OPT period begins prevents delays that could cost you job offers with employers who need someone ready to start immediately.
Be upfront about your OPT end date
Early childhood employers often plan hiring months in advance. Telling them your exact OPT expiration date and what visa options come next builds trust and helps them decide whether to begin H-1B visa sponsorship planning before your authorization runs out.
Emphasize CPR, first aid, and background clearances
Most early childhood roles require current CPR certification, first aid training, and a clean background check. Having these completed before you apply removes friction for employers who are already uncertain about the OPT hiring process and want candidates who are fully ready.
Focus on employers with established HR infrastructure
Larger childcare chains, university-affiliated early learning centers, and Head Start programs have HR teams familiar with work authorization paperwork. Smaller family-run daycares may want to hire you but lack the capacity to manage OPT and I-9 compliance on their own.
Frame your international background as a classroom asset
Multilingual skills and cross-cultural experience are genuinely valuable in early childhood settings serving diverse communities. Highlighting your ability to support English language learners or communicate with non-English-speaking families gives employers a concrete reason to prioritize your application.
Early Childhood Teacher OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Early Childhood Teacher on OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in early childhood education, child development, or a closely related field. Your OPT work must be directly related to your major area of study. A degree in business or engineering would not qualify you to work as an Early Childhood Teacher under OPT, even if you have prior classroom experience.
Do Early Childhood Teacher jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Early childhood education and child development degrees are not typically classified as STEM programs under the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. This means most Early Childhood Teacher OPT students receive the standard 12-month authorization rather than the 24-month STEM extension. Confirm your specific degree program's STEM designation with your DSO before assuming you qualify for the extension.
Will employers sponsor an H-1B visa for Early Childhood Teachers?
Some do, but it's less common than in STEM fields. Early Childhood Teacher roles can qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B rules if the position genuinely requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Employers such as large childcare chains, private schools, and Head Start programs are more likely to have experience sponsoring H-1B petitions than small independent daycares.
Where can I find Early Childhood Teacher jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers, so you can browse Early Childhood Teacher postings from employers who are already open to hiring international candidates. Searching general job boards often wastes time because most listings don't indicate whether the employer will work with OPT students.
Do I need a state teaching license to work as an Early Childhood Teacher on OPT?
It depends on the role and the state. Public school pre-K positions almost always require state licensure. Private preschools and childcare centers often accept a Child Development Associate credential or a bachelor's degree in lieu of a full teaching license, though requirements vary by state. Check your target state's licensing board requirements before applying to avoid disqualification late in the hiring process.