Floating Early Childhood Teacher

Floating Teacher - SouthSide Early Childhood Center

SouthSide Early Childhood Center is seeking a nurturing, dependable, and enthusiastic Floating Teacher to join our early learning team. If you believe in the power of early childhood education and love supporting children of all ages as they learn, grow, and discover, we'd be delighted to meet you!

Position Overview

Floating Teachers play a vital role in creating safe, loving, and developmentally rich classrooms across the center. This position supports multiple age groups and partners with Lead and Assistant Teachers to ensure each child experiences consistent care, meaningful interactions, and engaging, play-based learning. Floating Teachers help build strong relationships with children and families while supporting classrooms in meeting licensing requirements, Missouri Accreditation standards, and Head Start Performance Standards.

What You'll Do

• Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families in every classroom you support.
• Engage with children throughout the day, ensuring safety and supporting age‑appropriate learning and play.
• Use Creative Curriculum, Conscious Discipline, and Anti‑Bias Education to guide interactions and activities.
• Partner with classroom teaching teams to maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all children.
• Provide daily care routines such as diapering, toileting, feeding, and family‑style dining.
• Support documentation of meals, diapers, and learning activities using Learning Genie.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom space, including sanitizing materials and equipment.
• Keep children's safety at the center of your work by practicing active supervision at all times.
• Support the Extended Day program, including planning and leading engaging activities.
• Participate in staff meetings, team events, and family/community gatherings as needed.
• Complete 18 hours of professional development each year to continue growing your skills.
• Bring flexibility, positivity, and curiosity to each new day.
• Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards in all interactions.
• Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, or
  • CDA or equivalent, or
  • Willingness to enroll in a degree or CDA program (must complete CDA within two years of hire).
• Experience working with young children preferred.
• Knowledge of Head Start Standards is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, team‑oriented mindset.
• Comfort using technology.
• Ability to meet background check and fingerprinting requirements.
• A nurturing spirit, patience, and a genuine love for supporting children's development.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Frequent bending, stretching, walking, climbing, and sitting on the floor with children.
• Ability to work in both warm and cold outdoor temperatures.
• Comfort working in environments where typical childhood illnesses may be present.