Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Supervises classroom aides, student workers, interns, and student volunteer workers in assigned classroom.
• Serves as a team leader and oversees the work of staff in assigned area.
• Creates and implements weekly developmentally appropriate curriculum for assigned age group.
• Oversees the daily classroom operations of the assigned age group and ensures Florida DCF childcare licensing are met and followed.
• Develops and maintains a healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment aligned with curriculum plans and Florida DCF licensing standards.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with each child's family from their classroom. Maintains regular communication with the family concerning the child's needs and development.
• Conducts observations of each child and the children as a group to complete TS GOLD Child Assessment three times per year. Shares results of assessment with family during parent/child conferences.
• Communicates information with classroom staff to meet the needs of individual children and maintain smooth classroom operations. Maintains positive and open communication with classroom staff, administrative staff, and outside agencies.
• Maintains confidentiality per HPIAA, FERPA, FGCU confidentiality policy, and Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Completes accident and injury reports as required per Florida DCF licensing laws and statutes. Ensures copies of reports are received by families and administration.
• Reports suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to authorities as a mandated reporter under state law.

Other Duties

• Shares joint housekeeping responsibilities with other staff members.
• Attends staff meetings, training programs and conferences
• Assists in other classrooms as needed.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications

• This position requires either four years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, an Associate's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• 45 clock-hour childcare training as required by the Department of Children and Families. Training must begin within 90 days of hire and be completed within one year.
• Must meet all requirements of Chapters 402 and 435 F.S.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.
• Child Development Associates Certification and staff Credential, VPK Emergent Literacy Class, and VPK Standards Class certifications or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution in Early Childhood Education or related area.
• Experience with children in a full-time licensed child care facility or public/private school programs

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of all childcare licensing standards, Florida Sunrise and Sunshine State Standards, and/or national Head Start performance standards.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn the state regulations governing the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.
• Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes equity and inclusion.
• Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes an equitable environment.
• Ability to provide supportive and caring services to all children and families using patience, sensitivity, dignity and respect.
• Ability to provide basic nutrition and hygiene services for infants and young children.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, staff, volunteers, students and visitors.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively within a diverse community and willing to contribute to a team effort.
• Ability to think critically and make clear, well-reasoned and timely decisions.
• Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and diverse demands are involved.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing situations and environments.
• Ability to assume new responsibilities and carry them out in an effective manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times.