The Assistant Teacher provides high-quality early education and child development services, including for children with disabilities that promote children’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth for later success in school under the direction and guidance of the Teacher. The Assistant Teacher supports the Teacher to deliver the research-based curriculum, and screening and assessment embedded with responsive and effective teacher-child interactions that support individualization and growth in the areas of development described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcome Framework: Ages Birth to Five (HSELOF) and support family engagement in children’s learning and development.

Requirements

Licenses /Certifications

• Valid Driver’s License and acceptable driving record – proof of auto insurance within agency limits, or access to transportation
• Immediate/continued enrollment in the Criminal History Registry-Child Care Division
• Current Health Appraisal, updated every two (2) years
• Certification in First Aid and Adult, Infant and Child CPR

Education / Equivalent Experience

• Minimum Required: A Child Development Associates Credential (CDA) with Preschool Endorsement; or the state equivalent Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC);
• Desired/Preferred Education: Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with 21+ semester hours in ECE/Child Development
• State mandated 45-hour coursework completion or ability to complete within established timeframes;
• One (1) year experience working in an early childhood setting with a diverse population of preschool children, ages 3-5

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Demonstrate/Knowledge to:

• Provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions
• Plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation
• Use results of assessment to promote children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and any applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate
• Set and maintain professional boundaries with families
• Use technology to plan, record, report and monitor education and child development services

Skill/Ability to:

• Speak, read and write English; bilingual language(s) is helpful
• Collect, analyze and utilize data to plan and monitor growth in child outcomes and school readiness
• Solve problems and make appropriate decisions
• Manage time, solve problems and make appropriate decisions in varying situations
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively with fellow staff, parents, and community representatives

Physical/Mental Demands

• Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 50 lbs.
• Kneels, stoops, bends, reaches and sits on floor to attend to children’s needs
• Sitting, for working at keyboard and desk, standing, driving for home and site visits
• Moves quickly in response to active children in need of redirection to protect their and others safety
• Uses manual dexterity, reaches with hands and arms, stretches, and talks or hears
• Responds both physically and mentally to emergency or crisis situations
• Environmental Conditions ? Variability in temperature, environment and noise
• Potential sensory response associated with toileting and/or children who are ill
• Contact with children who are ill and/or possibly contagious
• Contact with chemicals to clean and sanitize equipment and facility

Children First is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.