Head Start Assistant Teacher

Description

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM

ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Florida to promote children’s well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.

Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida.

ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Career development
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Center Manager and Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher supports the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate classroom activities in alignment with the Head Start Performance Standards, Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) regulations, and ECS4Kids Policies and Procedures. The Assistant Teacher helps create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that promotes the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of each child.

Key Responsibilities:

Classroom Support

• Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Support classroom routines and transitions throughout the day.
• Engage with children during learning, play, and meal times.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and stimulating classroom environment.

Child Supervision & Safety

• Monitor children at all times to ensure safety and well-being.
• Assist with daily health checks and hygiene routines.
• Follow all safety, emergency, and sanitation procedures.

Family Engagement

• Greet and communicate with families in a friendly and professional manner.
• Support parent involvement activities as directed by the Lead Teacher or Center Manager.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Lead Teacher to support classroom goals and individual child needs.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and coaching opportunities.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

(These job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as required.)

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma, DCF 45-hour training, and one of the following:

Assistant Teacher

• Completion of CDA credential or an associate or baccalaureate degree in ECE or related field within 2 years of hire.

Assistant Teacher I

• National CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential.

CDA Renewal Assistance Available

Have an expired CDA® Credential? You may still qualify for the CDA® Renewal Amnesty Program, which allows eligible educators with CDA credentials expired as far back as January 1, 2016, to renew through April 26, 2027.

We welcome candidates with expired CDA credentials and may be able to provide guidance and support throughout the renewal process. Eligibility is determined by the Council for Professional Recognition, and individual requirements may apply

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrate competency to provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions, plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment and promote children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate.
• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children
• Ability to exercise control and maintain appropriate classroom discipline
• Ability and willingness to implement the approved curriculum
• Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity
• Ability to build and establish collaborative relationships
• Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and families
• Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records
• A willingness to learn and continue personal education

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
• Current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• 25 hours of annual training (January–December) in topics related to child development, health and safety, curriculum, and program operations.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Indoor classroom and outdoor playground settings
• Tolerance for noise and high activity levels

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds as needed to assist children or move classroom materials.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, and sitting on the floor to engage with children at their level.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors.
• Capacity to respond quickly and physically in emergency situations.
• Regular visual and auditory monitoring of children to ensure safety and engagement.
• Tolerance for high noise levels and a fast-paced, physically active environment.

Background Requirements

A Level II Background Screening which consists of a local, state, and federal criminal check will be completed on all employees and any contracted employee position, intern position or volunteer position in which individuals have contact with children, have access to confidential information and / or are in a position of special trust. To learn more about the system used to conduct these checks, you can use this link -