Lead Teacher (Little Eagles Learning Center)

Florida Gulf Coast University; North Lake Village (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Gulf Coast University seeks a Lead Teacher to act as team leader, overseeing staff in the Little Eagles Learning Center or the NCEF Early Childhood Development Center. The role promotes development across social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical areas while building partnerships with families.

FGCU emphasizes curiosity, commitment, collaboration, and accountability. Ideal candidates thrive in innovative environments and will contribute to a respectful, high-quality care

Qualifications

• Requires Associate Degree in Child Development.
• Ability to obtain within 6 months of hire credentials for age group and classroom.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Professional experience in licensed child care or related internships.
• 45 clock-hour childcare training; start within 90 days, complete in 1 year.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Meet all requirements of Chapters 402 and 435 F.S.
• Any relevant education/experience/certifications may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Supervises classroom aides, interns, and students; mentors learners.
• Provides training to increase workforce competence and engagement.
• Serves as team leader and oversees staff work in the assigned area.
• Ensures childcare routines align with development principles; maintain child safety and welfare.
• Promotes indoor and outdoor activities to engage children and support learning.
• Communicates with parents about a child’s experiences and progress.
• Maintains records of development across domains; supports planning.
• Collaborates with staff on planning and assignments; promotes high-quality practices.
• Upholds licensing, accreditation, and state standards in daily operations.
• Reports accidents or injuries to parents and authorities as required.

Skills

Team leadership

Staff supervision

Training development

Child development

Family communication

Record keeping

Policies compliance

Education

Associate Degree in Child Development

Job description

Job Summary

Lead Teacher serves as team leader and oversees the work of staff in either the Little Eagles Learning Center or the NCEF Early Childhood Development Center. Promotes the social, emotional, moral, cognitive, language, and physical development of children. Builds partnerships with families through mutual respect.

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.

Job Description

Typical Duties (may include but are not limited to)

• Supervises classroom aides, interns, and students; provides support and guidance to student interns and undergraduate students.
• Provides training and development services to increase workforce competence, employee engagement, or organizational capability.
• Serves as a team leader and oversees the work of staff in assigned area.
• Ensures that childcare routines are consistent with good child development principles. Ensures the health, safety, welfare, and accountability of children through constant supervision.
• Promotes and plans indoor and outdoor activities to engage children in a wide variety of experiences.
• Provides parents with information about their child's experiences. Fosters close partnerships with parents in an effort to provide a unified harmonious approach to child rearing and education.
• Monitors child's progress and maintains records in all areas of development.
• Collaborates with staff in planning and assignments.
• Models, conveys, and promotes high quality developmentally and culturally appropriate practices in early care and education to families, professionals, and the community-at-large.
• Reports accidents, injuries and illnesses to parents and supervisors. Reports suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to authorities as a mandated reporter under state law.

Other Duties

• Shares joint housekeeping responsibilities with other staff members.
• Attends staff meetings, training programs and conferences
• Assists in other classrooms as needed.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications

• This position requires an Associate Degree in Child Development.
• Ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire required credentials for age group and type of early childhood education classroom.
• Current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment.
• Professional experience in a licensed child care program or related experience including internship experiences.
• 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 by one year.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Must meet all requirements of Chapters 402 and 435 F.S.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Early Childhood Education or related area.
• Experience with children in a full-time licensed child care facility or public/private school programs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.
• Knowledge of all childcare licensing standards, the accreditation standards of the NAEYC, Florida Sunrise and Sunshine State Standards, and/or national Head Start performance standards.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn the state regulations governing the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.
• Ability to provide 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 within 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 competing 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.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

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.