Assistant Teacher (Naples Center)

Job Summary

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.

About the Role

This position will be scheduled 32 hours per week. 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.

Responsibilities

• Aids 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.
• 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.

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.