Assistant Teacher

The Assistant Teacher in the NCEF Early Childhood Development Center assists with daily operations, learning programs, and activities to further the goals, philosophy, mission, and vision of the center.

Join our team and enjoy the benefit of accruing leave hours every biweekly pay period, fostering work-life balance and well-deserved rest for our dedicated staff.

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 from December 26th – 31st
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 of developmentally appropriate curriculum and implements these plans to support the social, emotional, physical, and development of the age group in assigned classroom. 
• Ensures the safety and welfare of infants and children at the NCEF Early Childhood Development Center following Florida DCF licensing and early childhood education best practices.
• Provides a safe, clean, and healthy environment Florida DCF licensing requirements and ensures all spaces support the health, safety, and hygiene of children enrolled in the center.
• Works with lead teacher to ensure smooth operations of the classroom and towards continuous improvement and achievement of program goals and philosophy.
• Completes required reports documenting accidents and injuries as necessary per Florida DCF licensing laws and statutes.
• Reports suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to authorities as a mandated reporter under Florida DCF licensing laws and statutes.
• Assists in the supervision of student workers, OPS and volunteers.
• Shares joint housekeeping responsibilities with other staff members.

Other Duties

• Attends staff meetings, training programs and conferences.
• Assists in other classrooms as needed.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications

• This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• 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 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.
• Current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience working with young children in an early childhood setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of or ability to learn all required childcare licensing standards, the accreditation standards, and Florida Sunrise and Sunshine State Standards.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn the state regulations governing the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.
• Ability to provide professional, 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 with the 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 complex 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.

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.