The Preschool Teacher is responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans to foster cognitive, social, and physical growth in residential children. They must maintain a safe, sanitary, and inclusive classroom environment while communicating regularly with parents and collaborating with staff.
Requirements summary
Candidates should ideally possess an Early Childhood Education certification or degree and have knowledge of DCF and NAEYC requirements. Completion of state-mandated in-service training and experience with the Learning Beyond Paper Curriculum are preferred.
professional certificatebachelor degreeCurriculum ImplementationClassroom ManagementChild DevelopmentParent CommunicationLesson PlanningEarly Childhood EducationHealth and Safety CompliancePositive ReinforcementDevelopmental AssessmentBehavioral GuidanceMulticultural EducationSanitization Protocols
Job description
Position
Preschool
Teacher
Reports to:
Director of
Early
Childhood
Development
STATUS: Full-Time - Hourly Non-Exempt
Overview
The Preschool Teacher provides quality early childhood education services to residential children utilizing the on-site childcare facilities. This role is responsible for creating and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans that foster growth in cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The teacher ensures a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment while maintaining compliance with all Coalition for the Homeless policies and State of Florida guidelines. Strong communication with parents, collaboration with staff, and adherence to health and safety regulations are essential to supporting each child’s learning and well-being.
Key Responsibilities
Educate and guide children in developmentally appropriate lesson plans, allowing them to explore and create their own projects.
Prepare children for entrance into the VPK Program.
Follow and implement lesson plans that incorporate Language Arts, Art & Creativity, Sensory, Music, Science, Math, Physical Education, Dramatic Play, Positive Self-Esteem, and Self-Awareness according to the Learning Beyond Paper Curriculum.
Include multicultural activities in lesson plans to promote diversity and cultural awareness.
Model and explain discipline principles using positive reinforcement and redirection techniques.
Allow children to explore and engage with their designated learning centers throughout the day.
Maintain positive classroom management to ensure a safe and structured learning environment.
Follow the classroom's daily schedule and maintain consistent routines.
Greet all parents, children, and visitors warmly and professionally.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with children and their families.
Communicate regularly with parents about their child’s progress and share daily positive feedback.
Maintain and complete children’s Daily Reports to be given to parents at the end of each day.
Speak to children using a positive tone at their developmental level, and attend to their needs.
Inspect the playground daily for safety hazards such as ant beds, wasp nests, broken toys, or standing water, and report any concerns to the Director.
Keep children clean and presentable by wiping noses, washing hands and faces, and changing diapers frequently.
Disinfect changing tables after each use and change gloves between diaper changes.
Keep children's bedding and clothing separated and labeled.
Disinfect toys and tables daily to maintain a sanitary classroom environment.
Prepare fresh bleach water solutions daily for cleaning purposes.
Wash bedding twice weekly or more frequently as needed.
Sanitize the cots daily after children's naptime with soap and water followed by a bleach solution
Wipe down shelves weekly and maintain cleanliness in classroom storage areas.
Keep toys organized and stocked in learning centers.
Notify the Director ahead of time when additional classroom supplies are needed.
Sweep and mop floors twice every day to maintain cleanliness and safety.
Clean and disinfect bathrooms daily, ensuring they are stocked with toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels.
Empty trash bins daily in all areas of the classroom and restroom.
Enforce and model proper handwashing procedures to children throughout the day.
Report all incidents, accidents, or safety concerns immediately to the Director.
Report any broken or malfunctioning equipment to the Director promptly.
Attend all staff meetings as required.
Participate in workshops or classes to complete the 10-hour State Mandated In-Service Training requirement.
Demonstrate flexibility in schedule, including teaching at both center locations as needed.
Notify the Director at least two weeks in advance for scheduled appointments.
Notify the Director immediately if running late or calling out sick to ensure proper staffing and classroom ratios.
Adhere to all regulations and mandates set forth by the Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Health Department, and Fire Safety Authorities.
Qualifications
Early Childhood Education certification or degree preferred.
Knowledge of D.C.F., NAEYC, and School Readiness Coalition requirements, including health and safety regulations.
Experience implementing Learning Beyond Paper Curriculum and Florida Standards in lesson planning.
Familiarity conducting developmental assessments on children.
Completion of 10 Hours of State-Mandated In-Service Training annually.
Required Skills
Ability to guide behavior through affirming language, praise, and redirection techniques.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with children, parents, and staff.
Capable of maintaining organized learning centers, materials, schedules, and documentation.
Able to plan and implement structured, developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities.
Willing and able to adapt to changes in schedule, classroom needs, or center locations.
Demonstrates empathy and understanding when responding to children's emotional and developmental needs.
Provides a warm, caring, and supportive classroom environment that promotes trust and emotional well-being.
Arrive each day with a clean and professional appearance, as a reflection of the care and respect we show to the children and families we serve.
Disclaimer
This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. The employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. This description excludes the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to essential job duties. All duties, responsibilities, and requirements are vital to the job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship.
Market context
Florida preschool teaching roles stay in steady demand
Florida preschool teacher openings are often driven by year-round childcare needs, private centers, and early learning programs that must meet state licensing standards. Competition can be strong for candidates with a CDA or early childhood coursework, classroom experience, and a clear understanding of developmentally appropriate practice. Review the posted background-check and education requirements carefully, and note that the job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original description to save research time.
More openings at The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
