Preschool Associate Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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