Do you want to be a part of the team that makes the City of Palm Beach Gardens the signature place to live, learn, work and play? We provide world class services, parks, community centers, athletic fields, golf, tennis and pickleball, and public safety. This can only happen when the best, brightest, talented, and committed individuals work for our City. We encourage like-minded individuals to apply to join our culture of excellence as part of our team! Come join our family!

Summary

This position has the responsibility to assist the Lead Teacher with the planning, record keeping, organizing, and supervising any preschool classroom, age zero to five and/or aftercare and summer camp for elementary age students. Responsible for following and teaching the age-appropriate lesson plans prepared by the Lead Teacher. Position provides a stimulating, safe and developmentally appropriate environment to promote advancement in cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
This position is supervised by the assigned Lead Teacher or Recreation Supervisor.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
This position supervises part-time employees and/or volunteers.

Essential Function Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Lead Teacher, maintains compliance with all Federal, State, and local regulations, including but not limited to teacher/child ratios, keeping hazardous items locked up, attendance and incident records, and all health and safety issues
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of each child under his/her care through active recognition and communication to management about concerns.
• In conjunction with the Lead Teacher, utilizes appropriate techniques as approved by management to address situations, health issues, behavior concerns.
• Actively engages with the children in assigned classroom through direct interaction and participation in all forms of activities including those in circle time, on the playground, and during other activities.
• Maintains professional relationships with parents, guardians, family members and coworkers and when directed to do so, communications professionally with those groups
• Assists Lead Teacher in training and supervises toileting needs
• As assigned, plans and prepares activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem solving appropriate to the developmental levels and learning styles of the children
• As assigned, keeps daily records of classroom activities
• Plans and prepares activities and opportunities as assigned that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem solving appropriate to the developmental levels and learning styles of the children
• Follows and adheres to all accreditation rules and regulations
• Organizes, assists, and may lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling
• Teaches skills such as personal hygiene and healthy eating habits
• Enforces rules for behavior, and procedures for maintaining order in the classroom
• Reports to the Lead Teacher progress and success of activities and programs
• Researches and stays current on trends in Early Childhood Methods and Best Practices
• Cleans and organizes supplies and toys in the classroom with shelves neatly labeled with words and pictures
• Suggests changes classroom arrangement, as necessary, to stimulate creative learning
• Treats all children fairly and equally, avoiding favoritism
• Maintains a positive attitude and happy classroom atmosphere which promotes enthusiasm and creativity
• Documents all incidents or accidents
• Requests supplies for classroom in advance of anticipated need
• Keeps their own Physical and TB risk assessment or shots current
• Maintains current First Aid and Infant and Child CPR Certification
• Completes required minimum number of in-service hours of training each year
• Follows City policies and procedures
• Trains and mentor’s assistants and volunteers
• Evaluates assistants annually
• Performs any other related duties as required or assigned, including assignments to work in other areas of youth services for the department
• Reports for emergency operations as required
• Performs any other related duties as required or assigned

• May serve as a member of various employee committees, as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older and have proof of High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must have Department of Children and Families 40-hour Child Care classes, plus 5-hour Early Literacy Course
• Must have or obtain within 6 months Infant and Child CPR and First Aid Certification
• AS, AA, BA, MA in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or related field preferred
• Must have two years of Early Childhood classroom experience or related combination of experience
• VPK certification as required is preferred or have the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire if working in VPK classroom

Special Qualifications/Preferences

• A valid Florida Driver’s License with a good driving record
• Must have or obtain a Class C CDL License with “P” endorsement within 6 months from hire, if required

Eligibility:Coverage in the City’s group insurance plans begins the first of the month following thirty (30) days of employment.
Health Insurance:Choice of three (3) plans provided through Florida Blue. Employee contributions are required toward the cost of this insurance on a bi-weekly basis as follows

On-Site Employee Health and Wellness Center:Available for use by employees, spouses and dependents enrolled on the City’s Health Plan. No-copays for doctor’s visits, labs, physicals, or prescription drugs dispensed at the Center
Dental Insurance:PPO plan offered through Humana, provided at no cost
Life Insurance:Two (2) times annual salary up to a maximum of $100,000 provided at no cost
Short Term Disability:Non-probationary employees eligible for 60% of salary up to 26 weeks, provided at no cost.
Long Term Disability:60% of salary up to $5,000 monthly, provided at no cost
Employee Assistance Program: Six (6) visits per calendar year, per issue, provided at no cost.
Wellness Program: Voluntary wellness initiatives that promote and reward health awareness.
Pension Plan:Provided through the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Choice between the Investment Plan with a one (1) year vesting schedule, and the Pension Plan with an eight (8) year vesting schedule. Mandatory 3% pre-tax contribution.
Holidays:Eleven (11) days per calendar year. One (1) Floating Holiday per calendar year.

Personal Leave:Sixteen (16) hours accrued monthly used for vacation, illness, or personal time away from work. Personal Leave is tiered based on years of service and increases overtime.
Optional Voluntary Benefits:Vision Care Insurance Plan, Supplemental Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, AFLAC Group Policies, 457 Deferred Comp Plan, Roth IRA, Recreation Program Discounts, Day Care Discounts, Free EV Charging Station, Flexible Schedules, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer under the U.S. Department of Education’s PSLF Program.