- Location
- Sarasota, FL
- Department
- Education
- Source
- Paylocity
Description
Description
Early Head Start Teacher
Join our dedicated team as an Early Head Start Teacher, where you will play a vital role in fostering the developmental growth and well-being of infants and toddlers. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on young children's lives while working in a collaborative and supportive environment committed to early childhood education and family engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities for infants and toddlers in accordance with program standards and curriculum guidelines
- Foster a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that promotes social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
- Build strong, positive relationships with children and their families to support family engagement and individualized learning
- Observe, assess, and document children's progress and developmental milestones
- Collaborate with colleagues, families, and community partners to support children's overall well-being and learning
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment in compliance with health and safety regulations
- Participate in ongoing professional development and training to enhance teaching skills and program quality
Skills and Qualifications:
- Valid Driver's license and acceptable driving record - proof of auto insurance within agency limits, or access to transportation
- Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field; CDA credential required.
- Experience working with infants and toddlers in a classroom or childcare setting
- Knowledge of early childhood development principles and age-appropriate practices
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with children, families, and team members
- Ability to observe, assess, and document children's development accurately
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire within 90 days)
- Current health appraisal, updated every 2 years
- Immediate and continued enrollment in the Criminal History Registry - Child Care Division
- State mandated 45-hour coursework completion or ability to complete within established timeframes
Requirements
- Lifts and/or moves up to 50 lbs.
- Kneels, stoops, bends, reaches and sits on floor to attend to children’s needs
- Sitting, for working at keyboard and desk, standing, driving for home and site visits
- Moves quickly in response to active children in need of redirection to protect their and others safety
- Uses manual dexterity, reaches with hands and arms, stretches, talks and hears
- Responds both physically and mentally to emergency or crisis situations
- Variability in temperature, environment and noise
- Potential sensory response associated with toileting and/or children who are ill
- Contact with children who are ill and/or possibly contagious
- Contact with chemicals to clean and sanitize equipment and facility
We offer a supportive work environment that values professional growth, teamwork, and a shared passion for early childhood education. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of young children and their families.
Please see the link below to the new care provider background screening clearinghouse education and awareness website. This site was implemented under the directive of HB 531 (2025). As part of these requirements, “Every specified agency must include a clear and conspicuous link to the webpage on its website and provide the link in all job vacancy advertisements and posts by the qualified entity.”
https://info.flclearinghouse.com
Children First is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.
