Assistant Teacher CDA/FCCPC

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Assistant Teacher to join our vibrant early childhood education team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development and well-being of young children in a nurturing and engaging environment. If you are passionate about early childhood education and eager to support the growth of young learners, we encourage you to apply.

Children First is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.

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: Associate degree in early childhood education or related field with 18+ 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 

Demonstrate/Knowledge

• ­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

• ­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 situation
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively with fellow staff, parents, and community representatives 

Physical/Mental Demands

• 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 

Please see the link below to the new care provider background screening clearinghouse education and awareness website. This site was implemented under the directive of HB 531 (2025). As part of these requirements, “Every specified agency must include a clear and conspicuous link to the webpage on its website and provide the link in all job vacancy advertisements and posts by the qualified entity.”