Paraeducator - CDAT Preschool

Polk County Public Schools

Lakeland (FL)

On-site

USD 26,000 - 38,000

Full time

12 days ago

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Job summary

Polk County Public Schools in Lakeland, FL seeks a Paraeducator for CDAT Preschool to support the preschool program under the supervision of Resource Teachers. The candidate will implement services for preschool children, assist with curriculum, assessments, and family outreach, and help with transitions to kindergarten.

Requires CDA credential or AA/AS in Early Childhood and Florida Prekindergarten credentials.

Qualifications

Must have CDA credential or AA/AS in Early Childhood.
DCF Prekindergarten credential required to instruct.
Experience in nursery school, child care, Head Start, or preschool programs; preferably with economically disadvantaged children and families.

Responsibilities

Lead planning, teaching, and organizing classroom activities.
Collaborate with CDAT or certified teacher; co-responsible for classroom operations.
Assist in curriculum activities and assessment of children's needs.
Support monthly parent involvement opportunities and family outreach; facilitate transitions to kindergarten.

Skills

CDA credential

AA/AS in Early Childhood

DCF Prekindergarten credential

Bilingual/biliterate preferred

Excellent communication skills

Ability to collaborate

Education

AA/AS in Early Childhood

CDA equivalency (FCCPC)

Job description

Polk County Public Schools R. Clem Churchwell Elem PK-5, Lakeland, FL, USA, 33810 - Lakeland, Florida Open in Google Maps

Paraeducator - CDAT Preschool

Polk County Public Schools R. Clem Churchwell Elem PK-5, Lakeland, FL, USA, 33810 - Lakeland, Florida Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Florida Department of Education

Job Details

Job ID: 5926877
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Sep 15, 2026 5:09 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

Position Title

Para - CDAT Preschool

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.

Essential Functions of this Job (cont.)

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.

Collective Bargaining Agreement

3 - Para Union - F2 - OSP EQ

Salary Grade

N/A

Pay Grade

PA07

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Local Code

0008

EEO5

Approval Date