Lead Teacher (Naples Center)

Florida Gulf Coast University; Naples (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance options

Florida Retirement System Pension Plan

Paid annual and sick leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Florida Gulf Coast University is seeking a Lead Teacher responsible for planning and supervising an early childhood program in Naples, Florida. This role requires leadership over classroom activities, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for children, while securing compliance with licensing regulations.

The ideal candidate will have an Associate Degree in Child Development and experience in a licensed childcare setting. The position offers competitive benefits including comprehensive health insurance options, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within six months.
• Professional experience in a licensed child care program.
• Completion of the required 45 clock-hour childcare training mandated by Florida DCF.

Responsibilities

• Plans and evaluates developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Maintains a safe and nurturing classroom environment.
• Serves as a team leader guiding and supporting staff.

Skills

Knowledge of Florida DCF childcare licensing standards

Strong organizational and time-management skills

Ability to create a positive learning environment

Strong communication skills

Education

Associate Degree in Child Development

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Job Summary

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, and supervision of a developmentally appropriate early childhood program within the assigned classroom. This role provides leadership to classroom staff, ensures compliance with licensing and accreditation standards, and fosters a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that supports the growth and development of all children, in alignment with the philosophy and goals of the NCF Early Childhood Development Center.

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.

FGCU offers a comprehensive benefit platform for faculty and staff:

• HMO or PPO Health Insurance options with $50/month premium for individual coverage or $180/month premium for family coverage
• Pre-tax health savings account and flexible spending accounts
• Optional dental, vision, accident, cancer, hospitalization and disability insurance
• FGCU paid life insurance at 1.5X annual earnings and $25,000 State life insurance
• Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan with a fixed percentage employer contribution or Investment Plan with an employer contribution of 8.3%
• Voluntary Retirement Programs - 403(b) and Deferred Compensation 457
• 13 days of paid annual leave per year
• 13 days of paid sick leave per year
• 1 personal day (8 hours) per year
• 9 paid holidays per year, plus paid Winter Break based on annual holiday calendar
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available 24/7, 365 days per year
• Voucher for up to 6 credits per semester at FGCU
• Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Plans, implements, and evaluates developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children.
• Maintains a safe and nurturing classroom environment in compliance with Florida DCF licensing regulations, accreditation standards, and early childhood best practices.
• Serves as a team leader in the classroom, guiding and supporting staff while assuming primary responsibility for classroom management, daily routines, transitions, and the overall learning environment.
• Provides guidance, direction, and support to Assistant Teachers to ensure consistent classroom practices and smooth daily childcare operations. Ensuring the safety, well-being and supervision of all children at all times.
• Observes, documents, and assesses children's development and progress in accordance with program requirements and assessment tools.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with families regarding children's development, classroom activities, and program expectations.
• Monitors child's progress through observations and assessments to support individual learning and development.
• Ensures accurate and timely completion of required documentation, including lesson plans, observations, incident/accident reports, and licensing records.
• Serves as a mandated reporter and reports suspected cases of child abuse or neglect in compliance with Florida DCF licensing laws and center policies.
• Demonstrates and encourages best teaching practices, professional behavior, and positive interactions with children, families, and staff.
• Assists in the supervision and mentoring of Assistant Teachers, student workers, OPS staff, and volunteers as assigned.
• 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.
• Shares responsibility for maintaining classroom and common-area cleanliness and organization as part of a team.

Other Duties

• Attends staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities as required.
• Collaborates with administration to support program goals and center-wide initiatives.
• Assists in other classrooms as needed to support center operations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• This position requires an Associate Degree in Child Development.
• Ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire required credentials required 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Previous experience in a Lead Teacher or classroom leadership role in a childcare facility or public/private school programs.
• Experience with curriculum planning, child assessments, and family communication
• 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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of Florida DCF childcare licensing standards, accreditation requirements, and the Florida Early Learning and Sunshine State Standards.
• Knowledge of state regulations governing the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.
• Ability to lead, support, and collaborate with classroom staff effectively.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrates respect, responsibility, and consistency in daily interactions with children, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to create a positive, structured, and engaging learning environment.
• Ability to think critically, exercise sound judgment, and make timely decisions.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic early childhood education environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion at all times.
• Ability to assume new responsibilities and carry them out in an effective manner.
• 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.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open to 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.

Pay Grade 13

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.