• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Donation matching
• Employee discounts
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Training & development
• Wellness resources

Position Summary

The Floater Teacher provides classroom coverage and instructional support throughout the early learning program. This position requires flexibility and the ability to work effectively with infants, toddlers, preschool, and Pre-K children as assigned.

The Floater Teacher may be assigned to different classrooms throughout the day to maintain staff-to-child ratios, provide staff breaks, assist during transitions, support classroom activities, and respond to staffing needs.

A Floater Teacher must be dependable, adaptable, nurturing, professional, and prepared to work wherever support is needed within the program.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The Floater Teacher will:

• Report to the assigned classroom promptly when directed by administration.
• Provide classroom coverage for teacher breaks, lunches, absences, meetings, planning periods, and other staffing needs.
• Assist in maintaining required staff-to-child ratios.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
• Know the number and identity of children in their care.
• Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers with implementation of daily classroom routines.
• Support developmentally appropriate learning activities.
• Engage children in reading, literacy, music, movement, art, sensory, dramatic play, and other learning experiences.
• Interact with children through meaningful conversations and positive engagement.
• Assist with classroom transitions, including arrival, dismissal, meals, outdoor play, toileting, diapering, rest time, and movement between areas.
• Follow the daily schedule and lesson plans established for each classroom.
• Become familiar with the expectations and routines of each classroom.
• Use positive guidance and developmentally appropriate behavior-management strategies.
• Assist children with social-emotional development and conflict resolution.
• Support children who require additional assistance while following established classroom and program plans.
• Immediately communicate safety, behavioral, health, staffing, or classroom concerns to the appropriate teacher or Program Director.

Classroom Support

Floater Teachers are expected to actively assist classroom staff rather than simply provide physical coverage.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing classroom materials and activities.
• Setting up and maintaining learning centers.
• Reading and interacting with children.
• Supporting small-group and individual activities.
• Assisting with meals and snacks.
• Assisting with diapering and toileting as assigned.
• Preparing children for rest/nap time.
• Cleaning and sanitizing classroom materials and surfaces.
• Maintaining organized classroom environments.
• Assisting with playground and outdoor supervision.
• Helping prepare classrooms for opening and closing.
• Assisting teachers with classroom documentation when directed.
• Returning the classroom to an organized condition before leaving the assignment.

Infant & Toddler Responsibilities

When assigned to an infant or toddler classroom, the Floater Teacher must:

• Follow individual feeding and care schedules.
• Follow safe sleep practices.
• Complete diapering and toileting procedures properly.
• Provide nurturing and responsive interactions.
• Maintain sanitation and handwashing procedures.
• Follow bottle, formula, breast milk, and food-handling procedures.
• Never leave an infant or toddler unattended.
• Follow classroom-specific allergy and medical instructions.

Health & Safety

The Floater Teacher must:

• Maintain sight and sound supervision as required.
• Follow all child accountability procedures.
• Perform name-to-face checks during transitions when required.
• Follow handwashing and sanitation procedures.
• Ensure cleaning products, medications, and hazardous materials remain inaccessible to children.
• Follow allergy and special dietary instructions.
• Immediately report injuries, accidents, suspected abuse or neglect, or unusual incidents.
• Participate in fire drills, emergency drills, and evacuation procedures.
• Follow all mandated reporter requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.

CACFP Responsibilities

When assisting with meals and snacks, the Floater Teacher will:

• Follow CACFP meal-service procedures.
• Ensure required meal components are offered as instructed.
• Follow appropriate portion requirements.
• Complete or assist with accurate meal counts when assigned.
• Follow food allergy and special dietary requirements.
• Encourage positive and appropriate mealtime experiences.
• Follow required sanitation and handwashing procedures.

Professional Expectations

Because Floater Teachers work throughout the program, they are expected to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and teamwork.

The Floater Teacher must:

• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Arrive ready to work at the scheduled time.
• Be flexible regarding daily classroom assignments.
• Move between classrooms when directed by administration.
• Work cooperatively with different teaching teams.
• Follow directions from Lead Teachers and program leadership.
• Maintain professional communication with coworkers and families.
• Refrain from gossip and inappropriate workplace conversations.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Follow the program dress code/uniform policy.
• Refrain from personal cell phone use while supervising children.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Accept coaching, feedback, and corrective guidance professionally.
• Demonstrate patience, enthusiasm, initiative, and a positive attitude.

Floater Teachers should understand that classroom assignments may change throughout the day based on program needs, staffing, enrollment, and required ratios.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED at minimum.
• Meet Pennsylvania child care qualification requirements applicable to the assigned duties.
• Have experience working with children in an early childhood setting; two years of experience is preferred.
• Demonstrate an understanding of child development and appropriate supervision.
• Be comfortable working with multiple age groups.
• Be dependable and able to adjust quickly to changing classroom assignments.

• Complete all required background checks, clearances, health documentation, orientation, and professional development.