What are the responsibilities and job description for the Floater/Support Teacher position at Plateau Early Learning Center?
PELC is a learning center, not a babysitting center. We are looking for individuals with a strong passion for learning to join our team!
Responsibilities
The Childcare Floater plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations of the center by providing classroom coverage and assistance wherever needed. This position works closely with Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and program staff to ensure children receive a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning experience. Floaters help facilitate learning activities, support classroom routines, give teachers their required breaks, and step in when a staff member is absent.
This role is ideal for someone who is flexible, dependable, and passionate about early childhood education, as Floaters interact with children of varying ages throughout the day.
Duties
This description outlines the primary responsibilities of the Childcare Floater but is not all-inclusive. Duties may be modified to meet the needs of the children, families, and program.
- Provide support to Lead and Assistant Teachers in classrooms across all age groups, from infants to school-age children.
- Step into classrooms to maintain teacher-to-child ratios when staff are on break, planning, or absent.
- Assist in implementing classroom activities, including early literacy, math, science, art, music, and gross motor play.
- Foster a safe, organized, and engaging learning environment.
- Help with classroom routines such as arrival, meals/snacks, toileting, rest time, and dismissal.
- Encourage social-emotional growth by modeling positive behavior, empathy, and teamwork.
- Support children’s independence in self-care, including washing hands, putting on shoes/jackets, and managing belongings.
- Supervise children during indoor and outdoor play, ensuring safety and positive peer interactions.
- Maintain flexibility to float between classrooms based on center needs throughout the day.
- Assist with preparing and cleaning classroom materials, sanitizing toys, and maintaining center hygiene standards.
- Greet families warmly and maintain a professional, welcoming presence when interacting with parents and guardians.
- Communicate observations or concerns regarding children to the Lead Teacher or Director.
- Participate in team meetings, staff training, and professional development opportunities.
- Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and teamwork to support the overall success of the childcare program.
Qualifications
- MERIT Profile Registered
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Experience: no experience required but preferred.
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Continuing education is required. Area of studying is flexible.
- → PELC highly encourages their floater/support teacher to take a minimum of one class per quarter to complete their Associate Degree in ECE.
- Approved alternative qualifications
- Certifications: Current CPR/First Aid, Food Handler’s Permit, 30 Hours STARS* ,and state-required training (Safe Sleep, Mandated Reporter).
- Warm, caring personality with a passion for working with children.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and engage in floor-level activities.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
* Or education per DCYF that qualifies for 30-Hour STARS training exemption.
Work Schedule
- Full-time, Monday–Friday (hours to be determined).
- 8 hours shift, 7 hours shift, 4 hours shift
- Occasional evenings or weekends for events or training.
Benefits
- Professional development assistance
- Discount Childcare
- Retirement account
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off (1.5h per 40h worked)
- Paid holidays
- Paid lunch break
- Opportunity for financial education
