Assistant Teacher - Naples Center

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for infants and young children. This role plays an essential part in daily classroom operations, child supervision, curriculum implementation, and fostering positive relationships with children, families, and staff, in alignment with the philosophy and goals of the NCF Early Childhood Development Center.

FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

FGCU offers a comprehensive benefit platform for faculty and staff:
HMO or PPO Health Insurance options with $50/month premium for individual coverage or $180/month premium for family coverage
Pre-tax health savings account and flexible spending accounts
Optional dental, vision, accident, cancer, hospitalization and disability insurance
FGCU paid life insurance at 1.5X annual earnings and $25,000 State life insurance
Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan with a fixed percentage employer contribution or Investment Plan with an employer contribution of 8.3%
Voluntary Retirement Programs – 403(b) and Deferred Compensation 457
13 days of paid annual leave per year
13 days of paid sick leave per year
1 personal day (8 hours) per year
9 paid holidays per year, plus paid Winter Break based on annual holiday calendar
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available 24/7, 365 days per year
Voucher for up to 6 credits per semester at FGCU
Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Assists in the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum to support the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children in the assigned classroom.
• Ensures the safety, well-being, and supervision of all children at all times, in compliance with Florida DCF licensing regulations and early childhood best practices.
• Maintains a safe, clean, healthy, and organized classroom environment that supports children’s learning, hygiene, and overall wellness.
• Collaborates closely with the Lead Teacher to ensure smooth daily classroom operations and continuous improvement aligned with program goals and philosophy.
• Assists with daily routines, including meals, diapering, toileting, rest time, and transitions, ensuring children’s needs are met with care and respect.
• Reports accidents, injuries and illnesses to parents and supervisors. Completes required documentation, including accident and incident reports, in accordance with Florida DCF licensing laws and center procedures.
• Serves as a mandated reporter and reports suspected cases of child abuse or neglect in compliance with state laws and center policies.
• Assists in the supervision and guidance of student workers, OPS staff, and volunteers as assigned.
• Shares responsibility for maintaining classroom and common-area cleanliness and organization as part of a team.

Other Duties:

• Attends staff meetings, in-service trainings, and professional development opportunities as required.
• Assists in other classrooms as needed to support center operations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of the required 45 clock-hour childcare training as mandated by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Training must begin within 90 days of hire and be completed within one year.
• Current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment.
• Must meet all requirements of Chapters 402 and 435 F.S.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree from an accredited institution in Early Childhood Education
• Experience working with young children in a licensed early childhood education setting.
• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or equivalent certificate; or 9 college credits in Early Childhood Education and one year of appropriate experience working with infants, toddlers, and/or preschool children.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to demonstrate a high level of professionalism in interactions with children, families, and staff. 
• Knowledge of professional standards and ethical responsibilities within early childhood education.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn all required childcare licensing standards, the accreditation standards, and Florida Sunrise and Sunshine State Standards.
• Demonstrates respect, responsibility, and consistency in daily interactions with children, families, and colleagues.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly learn and apply, state regulations related to the identification and mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and team members to support classroom routines, expectations, and program goals.
• Ability to learn and receive guidance and apply feedback to improve performance.
• Follows center policies, procedures, and classroom expectations consistently to support a safe and respectful learning environment.
• Ability to adhere to center policies, procedures and classroom expectations to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment.
• 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 competing 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.
• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations:

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open to feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Pay Grade 12

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.