Support Teacher (Little Eagles Learning Center)

Florida Gulf Coast University; North Lake Village (FL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Gulf Coast University is seeking a Support Teacher for the Little Eagles Early Childhood Development Center. This role supports daily operations, learning programs, and activities aligned with the center's mission and philosophy.

You will work with the lead teacher to implement developmentally appropriate curricula, ensure safety and compliance with Florida DCF standards, and assist in supervising staff and volunteers.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• 45 clock-hour childcare training within 12 months of hire.
• CDA or 9 ECE college credits with experience.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within six months.
• Meet Florida DCF licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Support safety and welfare following Florida DCF licensing.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and hygienic environment per licensing standards.
• Collaborate with the lead teacher to achieve program goals.
• Complete required incident reports as needed.
• Report suspected child abuse/neglect to authorities.
• Supervise student workers and volunteers.
• Share housekeeping duties with staff.

Skills

Team collaboration

Child safety awareness

Communication

Critical thinking

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma

45 clock-hour childcare training

CDA or 9 ECE credits

CPR/AED First Aid certification

Job description

Job Summary

The Support Teacher in the Little Eagles Early Childhood Development Center assists with daily operations, learning programs, and activities to further the goals, philosophy, mission, and vision of the 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.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Assists in the planning of developmentally appropriate curriculum and implements these plans to support the social, emotional, physical, and development of the age group in assigned classroom.
• Ensures the safety and welfare of infants and children at the Little Eagles Early Childhood Development Center following Florida DCF licensing and early childhood education best practices.
• Provides a safe, clean, and healthy environment complying with Florida DCF licensing requirements and ensures all spaces support the health, safety, and hygiene of children enrolled in the center.
• Works with lead teacher to ensure smooth operations of the classroom and toward continuous improvement and achievement of program goals and philosophy.
• Completes required reports documenting accidents and injuries as necessary per Florida DCF licensing laws and statutes.
• Reports suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to authorities as a mandated reporter under Florida DCF licensing laws and statutes.
• Assists in the supervision of student workers, OPS and volunteers.
• Shares joint housekeeping responsibilities with other staff members.

Other Duties

• Attends staff meetings, training programs, and conferences.
• Assists in other classrooms as needed.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• This position requires a high school diploma.
• 45 clock‑hour childcare training as required by the Department of Children and Families. Training must begin within 90 days of hire and be completed within one year.
• Must meet all requirements of Chapters 402 and 435 F.S.
• 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.
• Current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization.
• Experience working with young children in an early childhood setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 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.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn all required childcare licensing standards, the accreditation standards, and Florida Sunrise and Sunshine State Standards.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn the state regulations governing the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.
• Ability to provide professional, supportive, and caring services to all children and families using patience, sensitivity, dignity and respect.
• Ability to provide basic nutrition and hygiene services for infants and young children.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, staff, volunteers, students and visitors.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively within the community and willing to contribute to a team effort.
• Ability to think critically and make clear, well‑reasoned and timely decisions.
• Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and competing demands are involved.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing situations and environments.
• Ability to assume new responsibilities and carry them out in an effective manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation

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

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

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.