Environmental Program Assistant Jobs in Gainesville, FL

Description

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday; 2:30 pm - 5:45 pm

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM

At ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children's Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors young children's immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We honor young children's immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Florida to promote children's well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.

Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida.

ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Career development
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Center Manager, the After-School Program Assistant supports safe, engaging after-hours programming for children. This role ensures constant visual supervision, leads age-appropriate activities, supports parent communication, and upholds all Florida licensing and center policies.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Maintain DCF staff-to-child ratios and continuous, age-appropriate supervision across classrooms, playgrounds, and transitions.
2. Follow center safety plans, emergency procedures, and universal precautions; report and document incidents per policy.
3. Plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate games, arts, homework support, and outdoor play aligned to approved curriculum.
4. Greet families, provide daily updates, and escalate concerns appropriately.
5. Keep areas clean/organized; prepare/serve snacks in line with Florida-approved food handler training and allergy protocols.
6. Manage sign-in/out, attendance, and simple daily reports with accuracy; protect student records confidentiality.
7. Complete required trainings, maintain certifications, and uphold mandatory reporter obligations.
8. Other duties as assigned in support of center operations.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.)

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:

This position reports to the Center Manager.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED
• DCF 45-hour training preferred

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of child development principles, licensing regulations, and best practices in early education.
• Commitment to strengthen families but with ultimate commitment to the well-being of the child.
• Ability to exercise control and maintain appropriate classroom discipline.
• Ability and willingness to implement the approved curriculum.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Knowledge of applicable safety and child abuse reporting procedures
• Ability to work with children of varying ages, from infants to preschoolers.
• Dependable, flexible, and able to adapt to changing needs throughout the day.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
• Commence within ninety (90) days and complete within 1 year of employment the DCF required 45-hr training.
• Complete on-line Food Handlers Course Serving Safe Food in Childcare within 90 days of employment.
• Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• Complete a minimum of 25 hours of in-service training annually, July 1- June 30

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Indoor and outdoor settings; active, fast-paced environment.
• Constant visual supervision of children and tolerance of loud noise.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Acceptable eyesight & hearing (with or without correction).
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to sit, stand, push, pull and engage with young children at their level.
• Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)

Background Requirements

A Level II Background Screening which consists of a local, state, and federal criminal check will be completed on all employees and any contracted employee position, intern position or volunteer position in which individuals have contact with children, have access to confidential information and / or are in a position of special trust. To learn more about the system used to conduct these checks, you can use this link - https://info.flclearinghouse.com/