Para - CDAT Preschool

Polkschoolsfl; United States; Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package: medical, dental

No-cost employee health clinics

Paid holidays and leave time

Flexible work options

Professional growth and mentoring

Support networks

Job summary

Polk County Schools seeks a Child Development Associate Teacher (CDAT) to plan, implement, and assess growth in preschoolers under supervision. The role supports family engagement and transitions to kindergarten, working with a certified teacher to organize curriculum.

The candidate should hold a CDA credential or AA/AS in Early Childhood with Florida DCF VPK credentialing and relevant preschool experience; transportation may be required. Competitive benefits apply.

Qualifications

• CDA credential or AA/AS in Early Childhood; CDA equivalency (FCCPC).
• Voluntary Prekindergarten credentialed by Florida DCF.
• Experience in nursery school, child care, Head Start, or preschool.

Responsibilities

• Plan, teach, and organize classroom activities with another CDAT or certified teacher.
• Assist in assessing children's educational, social, and emotional needs.
• Support monthly parent involvement opportunities and family contacts.
• Liaise between school staff and Preschool parents during transition to kindergarten.

Skills

Excellent communication

Team collaboration

Organized

Bilingual preferred

Education

CDA credential or AA/AS in Early Childhood

DCF VPK credential

Job description

Job Location (Short): Polk City, FL, USA, 33868

Status: Open

Posting End Date:

Salary Grade: Paraeducator PA07

Custom Job Purpose

This position exists to plan, implement, and assess student growth and compliance with federal performance standards, state standards, and developmentally appropriate classroom activities and direct classroom activities under the supervision of the Resource Teachers. The Child Development Associate Teacher (CDAT) will implement services to support the preschool child and the family. Complies with state and federal standards.

Essential Functions of this Job

Plays a lead role in planning, teaching, and organizing classroom activities. Functions as a 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 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 Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) certified to instruct. Actual work experience should be in nursery school teaching, child care, 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 purpose and appropriate practice for quality early childhood programs. 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. May require working outdoors as well, with exposure to outdoor elements including weather changes, foliage, insects, etc. 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.

No matter your role, you'll be part of a supportive team dedicated to student success and employee well‑being.

Looking for perks? We've got you covered.

• Full benefits package: medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• No‑cost employee health clinics
• Paid holidays and leave time
• Flexible work options for some roles
• Professional growth and development
• Access to mentoring and support networks

Click here for information about salary grades and schedules.

Why work with Polk County Schools?

From IT to operations, everyone plays a role in student success.

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