Floater

POSITION DETAILS

Pay Range:  $14.00-$16.00 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)

Schedule:  Monday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (with 30-minute lunch break) 

Classification:  Non-Exempt | Hourly

Reports To:  Center Director

POSITION SUMMARY

The Floater throughout the Child Development Center. The Floater is responsible for covering classrooms, assisting lead teachers, maintaining required child-to-staff ratios, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in care. This position requires an individual who is adaptable, dependable, and able to transition seamlessly between age groups and classroom environments as needed throughout the day. The Floater plays a critical role in maintaining the quality and consistency of care across the entire program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or GED required

Some college coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred

CDA (Child Development Associate) credential a plus

Minimum of 1 year of experience working with young children in a licensed childcare, preschool, or school setting preferred

Must successfully complete a DHR and ABI/FBI background check prior to or upon hire

CPR & First Aid Certification: Must obtain within the first 30 days of hire and maintain CPR and First Aid certification

Must complete all required training within 30 days of hire and meet ongoing annual training hour requirements

Must comply with all DHR, Health Department, and CACFP guidelines, policies, and procedures

Must be at least 19 years of age per DHR requirements

Must pass a pre-employment health screening if required by state licensing

Reliable transportation required; must report to work consistently and on time

Other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Classroom Coverage & Ratio Support

Serve as a flexible, program-wide support by rotating through classrooms as assigned by the director or lead teacher

Cover classrooms during teacher breaks, lunch periods, planning time, and staff absences to maintain required child-to-staff ratios at all times

Transition smoothly and professionally between infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms as needed throughout the day

Be prepared to assist in any classroom with little advance notice; maintain a positive and flexible attitude during all transitions

Assist with opening and closing classroom duties as assigned

Child Supervision & Safety

Maintain active supervision of children at all times in accordance with DHR licensing requirements and program ratios

Ensure the physical safety and emotional well-being of all children in care

Respond calmly and appropriately to children's needs, behaviors, and conflicts

Follow all emergency, evacuation, and lockdown procedures; participate in required drills

Report any accidents, injuries, or incidents to the lead teacher and director immediately and assist with completing required documentation

Report any suspected child abuse or neglect immediately to the director and appropriate authorities per mandated reporter requirements

Classroom Assistance & Learning Support

Assist lead and co-teachers in implementing daily lesson plans, activities, and routines

Support children during circle time, centers, outdoor play, meals, rest time, and transitions

Engage children in positive, nurturing interactions that support their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development

Use positive guidance and redirection strategies consistent with the program's behavior management policies

Read to children, facilitate play, and support hands-on learning activities as directed by the lead teacher

Assist children with self-care tasks, including handwashing, toileting, and diapering as appropriate for the age group

Health, Hygiene & Nutrition

Follow proper handwashing, sanitation, and illness prevention procedures throughout the day

Conduct health checks and report any signs of illness or injury to the lead teacher or director

Assist with sanitizing tables, toys, and classroom materials per health and licensing guidelines

Follow diapering and toileting procedures in compliance with DHR and Health Department standards

Documentation & Compliance

Complete incident/accident reports accurately and promptly when applicable

Follow all DHR, Health Department, and CACFP regulations, policies, and procedures at all times

Complete all required trainings, certifications, and professional development within required timeframes

Maintain confidentiality of all child and family information in accordance with program policy

Teamwork & Communication

Work cooperatively and respectfully with all lead teachers, co-teachers, and program staff

Accept direction from lead teachers and the director willingly and carry out assignments accurately

Communicate proactively with lead teachers regarding classroom needs, child concerns, or schedule changes

Contribute to a positive, professional, and supportive work environment

Participate in staff meetings, in-service trainings, and required professional development

Perform other duties as assigned by the director

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS & WORK HABITS

Dependable: Consistently reliable — shows up every scheduled day, on time, and ready to work

Punctual: Arrives at 9:30 AM prepared and ready; understands that tardiness directly impacts child safety and ratios

Flexible & Adaptable: Willingly moves between classrooms and age groups as needed throughout the day without complaint

Self-Starter: Takes initiative to support children and staff without waiting to be asked

Positive Attitude: Maintains a warm, upbeat, and professional demeanor that contributes to a positive program culture

Patient & Nurturing: Responds to all children with kindness, empathy, and age-appropriate expectations

Team Player: Supports colleagues and program leadership with a cooperative and helpful spirit

Follows Directions: Accepts and implements guidance from lead teachers and the director accurately and respectfully

Professional Appearance & Conduct: Maintains a neat, appropriate appearance and conducts themselves professionally at all times

Confidentiality: Keeps all child, family, and staff information strictly confidential

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Paid Hours: 7 hours per day (35 hours per week)

Lunch Break: 30-minute unpaid lunch break daily

Pay Rate: $14.00 – $16.00 per hour, based on education, experience, and qualifications

Overtime: Non-exempt; overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate for hours worked over 40 per week in accordance with applicable law

Occasional schedule adjustments may be required to meet program needs; advance notice will be provided when possible

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, and sit on the floor for extended periods

Ability to lift and carry children or equipment up to 40 lbs

Ability to move quickly to respond to children's safety needs

Ability to supervise children both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions

Visual and auditory ability to monitor and respond to children at all times