Lead Teacher (Naples Center)
Location: NCEF Early Childhood Development Center · Type: Full time ·
Posted: 2026-05-29 · Reference: R0007479
Job Summary
The Lead Teacher is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, and
supervision of a developmentally appropriate early childhood program within
the assigned classroom. This role provides leadership to classroom staff,
ensures compliance with licensing and accreditation standards, and fosters a
safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that supports the growth
and development of all children, in alignment with the philosophy and goals of
the NCF Early Childhood Development Center.
FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We
value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change
through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment
of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home
here.
FGCU offers a comprehensive benefit platform for faculty and staff:
HMO or PPO Health Insurance options with $50/month premium for individual
coverage or $180/month premium for family coverage
Pre-tax health savings account and flexible spending accounts
Optional dental, vision, accident, cancer, hospitalization and disability
insurance
FGCU paid life insurance at 1.5X annual earnings and $25,000 State life
insurance
Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan with a fixed percentage
employer contribution or Investment Plan with an employer contribution of 8.3%
Voluntary Retirement Programs – 403(b) and Deferred Compensation 457
13 days of paid annual leave per year
13 days of paid sick leave per year
1 personal day (8 hours) per year
9 paid holidays per year, plus paid Winter Break based on annual holiday
calendar
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available 24/7, 365 days per year
Voucher for up to 6 credits per semester at FGCU
Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Job Description
Typical duties may include but are not limited to:
Plans, implements, and evaluates developmentally appropriate curriculum
that supports the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
of children.
Maintains a safe and nurturing classroom environment in compliance with
Florida DCF licensing regulations, accreditation standards, and early
childhood best practices.
Serves as a team leader in the classroom, guiding and supporting staff
while assuming primary responsibility for classroom management, daily
routines, transitions, and the overall learning environment.
Provides guidance, direction, and support to Assistant Teachers to ensure
consistent classroom practices and smooth daily childcare operations.
Ensuring the safety, well-being and supervision of all children at all
times.
Observes, documents, and assesses children's development and progress in
accordance with program requirements and assessment tools.
Communicates effectively and professionally with families regarding
children's development, classroom activities, and program expectations.
Monitors child's progress through observations and assessments to support
individual learning and development.
Ensures accurate and timely completion of required documentation,
including lesson plans, observations, incident/accident reports, and
licensing records.
Serves as a mandated reporter and reports suspected cases of child abuse
or neglect in compliance with Florida DCF licensing laws and center
policies.
Demonstrates and encourages best teaching practices, professional
behavior, and positive interactions with children, families, and staff.
Assists in the supervision and mentoring of Assistant Teachers, student
workers, OPS staff, and volunteers as assigned.
Reports accidents, injuries and illnesses to parents and supervisors.
Completes required documentation, including accident and incident reports,
in accordance with Florida DCF licensing laws and center procedures.
Shares responsibility for maintaining classroom and common-area
cleanliness and organization as part of a team.
Other Duties:
Attends staff meetings, trainings, and professional development
opportunities as required.
Collaborates with administration to support program goals and center-wide
initiatives.
Assists in other classrooms as needed to support center operations.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Additional Job Description
Required Qualifications:
This position requires an Associate Degree in Child Development.
Ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire required credentials
required for age group and type of early childhood education classroom.
Current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certification or ability
to obtain within six months of employment.
Professional experience in a licensed child care program or related
experience.
Completion of the required 45 clock-hour childcare training as mandated by
the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Training must
begin within 90 days of hire and be completed within one year.
Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft
Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
Must meet all requirements of Chapters 402 and 435 F.S.
Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or
certifications may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Early Childhood
Education or related area.
Previous experience in a Lead Teacher or classroom leadership role in a
childcare facility or public/private school programs.
Experience with curriculum planning, child assessments, and family
communication
Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or equivalent certificate;
or 9 college credits in Early Childhood Education and one year of
appropriate experience working with infants, toddlers, and/or preschool
children.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge of Florida DCF childcare licensing standards, accreditation
requirements, and the Florida Early Learning and Sunshine State Standards.
Knowledge of state regulations governing the identification and reporting
of child abuse and neglect.
Ability to lead, support, and collaborate with classroom staff
effectively.
Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
Demonstrates respect, responsibility, and consistency in daily
interactions with children, families, and colleagues.
Ability to create a positive, structured, and engaging learning
environment.
Ability to think critically, exercise sound judgment, and make timely
decisions.
Ability to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced,
dynamic early childhood education environment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion at
all times.
Knowledge of state regulations governing the identification and reporting
of child abuse and neglect.
Ability to assume new responsibilities and carry them out in an effective
manner.
Ability to lead, support, and collaborate with classroom staff
effectively.
Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with
creativity
Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding
oneself accountable.
Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across
teams.
Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations:
In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:
Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open to feedback and
new ideas.
Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to
overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across
departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve
common goals.
Pay Grade 13
FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity
and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration
for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national
origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
