Preschool Child Care Educator

YMCA of West Central Florida; Lake Wales (FL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of West Central Florida in Lake Wales, FL is hiring a Preschool Childcare Educator/Floater to support Infant and VPK classrooms and float as needed. The role emphasizes safe, developmentally appropriate care and adherence to Florida DCF, VPK, YMCA, and Early Learning Coalition standards.

The position requires implementing approved curricula, supervising children, and maintaining documentation. It includes collaborating with the QA Coordinator, participating in family events, and upholding

Qualifications

• Minimum age 21 years.
• Associate's degree preferred.
• One - two years of childcare, management, or the equivalent.
• CPR, First Aid & AED certifications required within 30 days of employment.
• Complete YMCA of the USA New Employee Orientation e-learning course.
• Complete YMCA Policy and Procedures for New Employees within 60 days of employment.
• Annually complete 10 hours of in-service training for CEU credits.
• 45 DCF Hours must be completed.

Responsibilities

• Implement the Department of Education-approved curriculum and follow classroom lesson plans.
• Provide developmentally appropriate activities and maintain a safe, clean, and positive classroom environment.
• Actively supervise children at all times and follow DCF health, safety, and ratio requirements.
• Make ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child and maintain required documentation.
• Maintain positive relationships and effective communication with parents and families.
• Participate in parent conferences as assigned.
• Work cooperatively with the Quality Assurance Coordinator and Early Learning Coalition of Polk County during observations, monitoring, and quality‑assurance activities.
• Maintain classroom materials, equipment, and program areas.
• Support the YMCA’s Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards by encouraging healthy habits and serving as a positive role model.
• Attend and participate in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and required staff trainings.
• Follow all YMCA, DCF, VPK, and center policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

CPR Certification

First Aid

AED Certification

Childcare Experience

Classroom Supervision

Education

Associate's degree in early childhood education or related field

Job description

Job Location: Lake Wales, FL 33853 Position Type: Full-Time/Part-Time Salary Range: $15.00 - $16.00 Hourly

The Part-Time Preschool Childcare Educator/Floater provides safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate care and learning experiences for children. The employee will support the Infant and VPK classrooms and float to other classrooms as assigned while following Florida DCF, VPK, YMCA, and Early Learning Coalition requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Implement the Department of Education-approved curriculum and follow classroom lesson plans.
• Provide developmentally appropriate activities and maintain a safe, clean, and positive classroom environment.
• Actively supervise children at all times and follow DCF health, safety, and ratio requirements.
• Make ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child and maintain required documentation.
• Maintain positive relationships and effective communication with parents and families.
• Participate in parent conferences as assigned.
• Work cooperatively with the Quality Assurance Coordinator and Early Learning Coalition of Polk County during observations, monitoring, and quality‑assurance activities.
• Maintain classroom materials, equipment, and program areas.
• Support the YMCA’s Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards by encouraging healthy habits and serving as a positive role model.
• Attend and participate in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and required staff trainings.
• Follow all YMCA, DCF, VPK, and center policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund‑raising.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks to first understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.
• The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Personal Growth: Pursues self‑development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations, and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up‑to‑date knowledge and skills in technology.

Qualifications

• Minimum age requirement - 21 years of age
• Associate's degree in early childhood education or related field preferred.
• One - two years of experience in childcare, management, or the equivalent.
• CPR, First Aid, & AED certifications required within 30 days of employment.
• Complete YMCA of the USA New Employee Orientation e-learning course.
• Complete YMCA Policy and Procedures for New Employees within 60 days of employment.
• Annually complete 10 hours of in-service training for CEU credits.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.
• 45 DCF Hours must be completed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position will require sudden movements, standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, crouching, running, and lifting. Ability to plan, lead, and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor and indoor settings.