Little Lights Learning Center Assistant Teacher Crestview, FL · Full time

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Little Lights Learning Center is a faith-based early learning center serving children ages 1–5 in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment. As a ministry of High Praise, we believe childcare should be more than simply watching children while their parents work. Our goal is to intentionally teach, encourage, and care for each child while helping them grow socially, emotionally, academically, and spiritually. What makes Little Lights different is our commitment to creating a Christ-centered environment where children are known, loved, and given opportunities to learn through purposeful play, structured routines, age-appropriate curriculum, and meaningful relationships with their teachers. We are building a team of educators who genuinely enjoy working with young children, value teamwork, communicate well with families, and want to make a lasting difference during some of the most important developmental years of a child's life.

Position Overview

Little Lights Learning Center is seeking a dependable, experienced Assistant Teacher to support our Lead Teachers and help provide consistent, high-quality care throughout the day.

This role is a step above our Floater/Support Teacher position and is intended for someone with stronger childcare experience, classroom confidence, and the ability to step into a classroom and provide meaningful instructional and caregiving support with less direct supervision.

The Assistant Teacher should be available to work flexible hours between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM based on center needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Teachers with the daily operation of Little Sparks, Bright Beams, and Shining Stars classrooms.
• Help implement age-appropriate learning activities, play experiences, and classroom routines.
• Provide active supervision and maintain a safe, positive classroom environment.
• Step into classrooms as needed to maintain staffing coverage and consistency.
• Provide lunch, break, and temporary classroom coverage for Lead Teachers.
• Support children with toileting, potty training, diapering, handwashing, meals, naps, and other personal-care needs.
• Assist with classroom transitions, outdoor play, meals, snacks, nap time, and end-of-day routines.
• Use positive, age-appropriate guidance and redirection.
• Help maintain classroom structure, routines, and expectations when the Lead Teacher is temporarily unavailable.
• Communicate appropriately with Lead Teachers, the Director, and families as directed.
• Observe children and communicate behavioral, developmental, safety, or other concerns to leadership.
• Help maintain clean, organized, sanitized, and well-prepared classrooms.
• Assist with classroom opening or closing responsibilities when scheduled.
• Follow all Little Lights policies regarding supervision, safety, confidentiality, child guidance, and professional conduct.
• Participate in required staff meetings, training, and professional development.
• Demonstrate flexibility by supporting the classroom or area where the center has the greatest need.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Has meaningful experience working with young children.
• Is confident managing a classroom alongside a Lead Teacher and can temporarily take the lead when needed.
• Understands that childcare involves both teaching and hands-on caregiving.
• Is comfortable working with children approximately ages 1–5.
• Can assist with diapering, toileting, potty training, accidents, meals, and cleanup.
• Is dependable, punctual, and consistent.
• Can work independently without needing constant direction.
• Takes initiative and notices what needs to be done.
• Maintains patience and composure during busy or challenging moments.
• Works well with multiple teachers, classrooms, and age groups.
• Communicates professionally with coworkers and families.
• Is willing to work varying schedules between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
• Supports the Christ-centered mission and values of Little Lights Learning Center.

Qualifications

Preferred

• Previous experience as an Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher, preschool teacher, daycare teacher, or similar early-childhood role.
• Completed Florida DCF childcare training and required credentials.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Experience working with multiple age groups from toddlers through preschool.

Required

• Previous childcare or early-childhood experience.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background screening.
• Willingness to complete any outstanding DCF training or credential requirements within the timeframe established by Little Lights.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification.
• Reliable transportation and consistent attendance.
• Ability to safely supervise and physically assist young children throughout the workday.
• Ability to work flexible hours between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM based on center staffing needs.
• Ability to support and work within the Christian mission and values of Little Lights Learning Center.

Schedule

This position may be scheduled for varying shifts between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM depending on classroom enrollment, staff schedules, and center needs.

The Assistant Teacher should have enough scheduling flexibility to provide additional coverage during high-need periods, staff absences, classroom transitions, and opening or closing shifts when necessary.

Why This Role Matters

Our Assistant Teacher provides stability between our Lead Teachers and support staff. This person helps ensure classrooms remain consistent, safe, and well-supported throughout the day and gives the center an experienced team member who can confidently step in when a Lead Teacher is unavailable.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with children, wants greater responsibility than a traditional floater position, and is interested in continuing to grow within early childhood education.