Early Childhood Educator - Hiring Now

Zen Educate; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay by direct deposit

Professional development and role‑cert

Paid sick leave

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan (after hours/60

Job summary

Zen Educate Inc. is hiring multiple early childhood educators for the 2026–2027 school year in the Tampa area. Roles include mid-term substitutes and daily substitutes in various centers, with weekday schedules and flexible placements.

We seek qualified educators with Florida ECE credentials, a passion for early learning, and the ability to work independently. Sign-on bonuses apply for candidates with completed DCF transcripts and required coursework.

Qualifications

• Meet Florida early childhood teacher qualification requirements through a CDA, FCCPC, or qualifying Early Childhood Education coursework or degree.
• Six months of experience in a licensed early childhood setting such as childcare, preschool, or Head Start.
• Ability to work independently and lead a classroom when needed.
• Reliable, professional, and passionate about early learning.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Ability to pass a Florida Level 2 background screening through the DCF Clearinghouse.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily classroom routines, lessons, and transitions.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.
• Support children’s social, emotional, and developmental growth.
• Implement center-provided curriculum and lesson plans.
• Supervise assistant teachers and support staff when assigned.
• Maintain classroom organization, safety, and state licensing standards.
• Communicate professionally with site leadership and staff.
• Adapt quickly to different classroom settings and age groups.

Skills

Bilingual English and Spanish

Lead a classroom

Independent work ability

Education

CDA / FCCPC credential

ECE coursework or degree

Job description

Job Description

Limited Positions - Now hiring for the 2026–2027 school year!
We’re hiring multiple early childhood educators to support school districts and private preschool centers. The roles vary from mid-term substitute placements, with you working directly in a classroom Monday through Friday, supporting students and staff on a consistent, daily basis. We also have availability for our daily substitute program, where you can choose which centers / hours work best for you!

About Zen Educate

At Zen Educate, our mission is simple: to support schools by connecting them with dedicated, high-quality education professionals. We believe in making the hiring process easier for educators and creating better outcomes for students. When you join Zen, you’re not just taking an assignment, you’re joining an educator-first platform that supports you every step of the way. We are actively hiring to support students with specialized academic, social, and physical needs

Sign-On Bonus Available

Are your DCF credentials up to date? We are offering a signing bonus to successful candidates who have completed their required ECE transcripts, including all coursework and exams for Part I & II Childcare Facilities, Early Literacy, and Shaken Baby training.
If you are still working through your DCF requirements, we still want to hear from you! Successful candidates will receive full support from our team to complete their remaining credentials.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily classroom routines, lessons, and transitions
• Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment
• Support children’s social, emotional, and developmental growth
• Implement center-provided curriculum and lesson plans
• Supervise assistant teachers and support staff when assigned
• Maintain classroom organization, safety, and state licensing standards
• Communicate professionally with site leadership and staff
• Adapt quickly to different classroom settings and age groups

Required Qualifications

• Meet Florida early childhood teacher qualification requirements through a CDA, FCCPC, or qualifying Early Childhood Education coursework or degree
• Six months of experience in a licensed early childhood setting such as childcare, preschool, or Head Start
• Ability to work independently and lead a classroom when needed
• Reliable, professional, and passionate about early learning
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Ability to pass a Florida Level 2 background screening through the DCF Clearinghouse

Preferred Qualifications

• One year or more of early childhood teaching experience
• Head Start or preschool experience
• Bilingual English and Spanish preferred
• Completed required DCF courses and exams for childcare facilities.

Salary

Pay: $19 - $23 per hour
Schedule: Monday through Friday, flexible daily or long-term placements

Benefits and other offerings

• Weekly pay by direct deposit, with paper check available on request
• Professional development, including in-app training, paid role-specific certifications where applicable, and additional development opportunities depending on role and location
• Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local law
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,560 hours in a 12 month period.
• 401(k) retirement plan with no employer match available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,000 hours in a 12 month period or more than 500 hours/year in a 24 month period.

Ref: #TAMPECETZA-Nov26