Job Overview
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Early Childhood Teacher to inspire and nurture young learners during their formative years. In this role, you will create a vibrant, safe, and engaging classroom environment that promotes early childhood development through innovative teaching methods and personalized care. Your enthusiasm for education, combined with your expertise in childhood growth milestones, will help lay a strong foundation for each child's academic and social success. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives while fostering their curiosity and love of learning.
Responsibilities
- Provide a high quality educational experience for children in assigned classroom using agency-approved curriculum
- Carry out ongoing assessment of all children in assigned classroom to ensure attainment of educational goals
- Maintain an orderly, clean and stimulating classroom environment per Pinellas County Licensing Board (PCLB) and Head Start guidelines.
- Participate in Head Start required functions, i.e., parent meetings, home visits, parent conferences
- Collaborate and coordinate with assigned classroom team member to:
- Maintain appropriate supervision of children in assigned classroom at all times.
- Care for ill/injured children and document actions as per agency guidelines.
- Direct clean-up activities of children and instruct them in good hygiene practices
- Administer appropriate behavioral guidance to children in assigned classroom as per agency guidelines using the Conscious Discipline and/or Head Start guidelines.
- Maintain confidentiality of all information pertaining to students and families
- Consult with the Center Director about concerns regarding children who may need referral for assessment of special needs
- Notify Center Director of materials needed for the classroom
- Keep accurate records and files as required by agency policy, licensing requirements, and contracting agencies.
- Attend training sessions, conferences and staff meetings which foster personal growth and/or are required by the Agency, Licensing Board or contracting agencies.
- Maintain accreditations, licenses, and renewals.
- Other duties as assigned by Supervisor
Education Requirements:
- Minimum - Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education; or an AA Degree in any subject with no less than 18 semester credits in approved coursework relating to Early Childhood.
- Preferred - Bachelor's Degree or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, or degree in any subject and coursework equivalent to a major relating to Early Childhood Education.
Experience, Skills & Trainings:
- Minimum of two years experience in Early Childhood Education, Head Start, or Preschool
- Completed DCF 45 clock hours (or willing to obtain within 12 months of hire)
- Completion and proof of a physical examination & TB Test prior to the start of employment (and repeated every two years of employment)
- Fluent in English
- Ability to lift and carry 35 pounds and in an emergency pick up a 40 pound child.
- Physical ability to extend arms overhead, grasp with hands, stand, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, walk, sit on floor.
- Clean Level II Background Check (when conducted by agency upon hire) and maintained throughout employment
- Current First Aid/CPR, including Infant and Child CPR, or willing to obtain upon hire.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to a diverse audience of volunteers and clients.
- Ability to use computer software applications in Google and Microsoft environments to communicate and maintain records.
- Ability to maintain professional and confidential boundaries with regard to agency programs, staff, volunteers and participants
- Ability to create an environment where children, parents, staff and volunteers are welcomed and affirmed
- Ability to work a flexible schedule
- Wholehearted commitment to mission, values and programs of Learning Empowered, Inc
Hours: Full-Time, year-round FLS Status: Hourly/non-exempt
All Learning Empowered employees are hired At-Will. No contract is implied or intended.
Benefits Include:
- Excellent Health Insurance Package
- 11 paid holidays annually
- Paid Time Off
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Paid CPR/First Aid training and recertification
- In-Service Training (during work hours when possible)
- Professional Development Opportunities
Level 2 Fingerprint Background Screening Information: The Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) is a first-in-the-nation enterprise system for background screening results of individuals required by law to undergo screening for employment in positions that provide services to vulnerable populations, as mandated by House Bill 531 (2025): https://info.flclearinghouse.com
Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Early childhood education: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
