Early Childhood Educator - Substitute Lead Teacher

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

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly direct deposit

Professional development & certs

Paid sick leave

Insurance (medical, dental, vision)

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Zen Educate Inc. in Tampa, Florida is hiring substitute preschool teachers for the 2026-2027 school year. Roles include mid-term placements in classrooms Monday through Friday and a flexible daily substitute program across centers and hours.

Successful candidates may have DCF-related credentials and will receive support to complete remaining requirements. Competitive pay and weekly direct deposit, with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Meet Florida early childhood teacher qualification requirements through a CDA, FCCPC, or qualifying ECE coursework or degree.
• Six months of experience in a licensed early childhood setting such as childcare, preschool, or Head Start.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

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

Classroom management

Professional communication

Adaptability

Education

CDA / FCCPC or ECE coursework

Six months ECE experience

Job description

Job Description

We’re Hiring Now for the 2026-2027 school year! We’re hiring multiple substitute preschool teachers 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

Zen Educate partners with public and charter schools across various school districts. We help schools hire dedicated paraprofessionals and teaching assistants, creating smart, timely matches that support students with special education needs and build stronger school communities.

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.