Para - CDAT Head Start

Polk County Public Schools; Haines City (FL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County Public Schools in Haines City, Florida seeks a Para - CDAT Head Start to plan, implement and assess student growth in alignment with Head Start standards and state requirements. The role focuses on supporting developmentally appropriate activities and collaborating with families to ensure successful transitions to kindergarten.

The position emphasizes teamwork with certified teachers, curriculum implementation, and adherence to program rules, with responsibilities spanning

Qualifications

• CDA credential or AA/AS in Early Childhood, or a CDA equivalency (FCCPC).
• DCF VPK credentialing to instruct is required.
• Experience in nursery school, childcare, Head Start, or preschool settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, teaching, and organizing classroom activities.
• Co-teach with another CDAT or certified teacher and support classroom operations.
• Assist in curriculum implementation and assess children's educational, social, and emotional needs.
• Support family involvement and transition to kindergarten.

Skills

Excellent communications skills

Bilingual/biliterate preferred

Education

CDA credential

AA or AS degree in Early Childhood

DCF VPK credentialing to instruct

Job description

Polk County Public Schools Bethune Aca. K-5, Haines City, FL, USA, 33844 - Haines City, Florida Open in Google Maps

Para - CDAT Head Start

This job is also posted in Florida Department of Education

Job Details

Job ID: 5922650
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Sep 11, 2026 9:19 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

Position Title

Para - CDAT Head Start

Custom Job Purpose

This position exists to plan, implement and assess student growth and compliance with the Head Start performance standards, state standards and developmentally appropriate classroom activities. The Child Development Associate Teacher will implement services to support the Head Start child and his/her family. Complies with federal Head Start performance standards.

Essential Functions of this Job

Plays a lead role in planning, teaching, and organizing classroom activities. Functions as team when partnered with another CDAT or certified teacher. Is co-responsible for the total classroom operation. Is co-responsible for the preparation and implementation of all curriculum activities. Assists in the assessment of children's educational, social, and emotional needs. Takes part in staff development activities. Complies with Head Start program rules including home visits and family contacts. Supports monthly parent involvement opportunities to encourage nurturing skills and establish rapport between school and family. Serves as a liaison between school based personnel and preschool parents during the transition to kindergarten.

Non-Essential Functions of this Job

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The minimum qualification is a combination of education and experience, with a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, an AA or AS degree in Early Childhood, or a CDA equivalency (FCCPC), Must be Voluntary Prekindergarten credentialed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) certified to instruct. Actual work experience should be in nursery school teaching, childcare, Head Start, or other preschool program, kindergarten, or other relevant experience, preferably with preschool economically disadvantaged children and their families. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Head Start Administration purpose and procedures. Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education. Knowledge of appropriate strategies for observation and assessment of young children. Demonstrate ability to relate well with people of varied socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Excellent communications skills. Well organized. Ability to model appropriate behaviors within a variety of settings. Able to provide own transportation with reimbursement according to School Board policies. Bilingual/biliterate preferred.

Work Context

Requires some sitting and standing, walking and moving about to coordinate work. Requires the use of alternative communication systems, such as electronic mail, telephones, and computers. Requires coordination of work tasks to establish priorities, set goals and meet deadlines. Requires face-to-face discussions and contact with students, individuals, and/or teams. Requires work with students, internal and external contacts, and with the public.

Physical Environment

Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions. Requires sitting, standing, walking, and the ability to lift, carry, move and/or position objects infrequently weighing up to 50 pounds and or 20 pounds of force frequently and or 10 pounds of force as needed to move objects. Requires travel to schools and worksites within the district.

Collective Bargaining Agreement

3 - Para Union - F2 - OSP EQ

Salary Grade

N/A

Pay Grade

PA07

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Local Code

10082

EEO5

48

Approval Date

6/15/2011

Date Last Revised

7/8/2013

Position Type: Full-time
Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Contact Information

• Polk County Public Schools
• 1907 South Floral Ave.
• Bartow, Florida 33830
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]