Lead Teacher, Early Childhood Center

Southeastern University•Lakeland, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Southeastern University seeks passionate and experienced early childhood educators to serve as Early Childhood Teachers in a newly established Charlotte Mason and Classical education-inspired preschool program. Teachers will play a vital role in nurturing the spiritual, intellectual, and social-emotional development of young children through a Christ-centered, developmentally appropriate approach that integrates nature, habit formation, and rich learning experiences. The SEU Robert & Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center is seeking Lead Teachers in both the nursery and pre-school classrooms. The Director will assign the classroom category at the time of hire, but teachers may be shifted to other classrooms on a temporary or permanent basis, based upon business need.

Requirements

High School/GED
At least 40+ hrs. progress towards Staff Credentials (DCF)
CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days).
A minimum of three (3) years of experience in an early childhood classroom
Understanding Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) health, safety, and ratio standards.
Basic understanding of physical, social, emotional, and cognitive milestones for early learners.
Creating a safe, structured, and positive learning environment using proactive guidance strategies.
Maintaining current certifications in pediatric CPR, First Aid, and standard health practices.
Ability to bend, kneel, sit on the floor, and lift up to 40 pounds safely throughout the day.
Speaking and writing clearly when interacting with parents, staff, and young children.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Prekindergarten/Primary Education, or other related field.
Five (5) or more years of experience in an early childhood classroom, preferably in a Christian pre-school.
Experience implementing the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards in a classroom setting.
Experience implementing the following methodologies in a classroom setting: Charlotte Mason, Classical Ed., Reggio Emilia, Montessori, or nature-based learning
Experience with parent engagement and child assessment tools.
Prior experience in a faith-based educational setting.
Deep familiarity with the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards.
Experience utilizing formal developmental assessments like the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) or similar screening metrics.
Designing a play-based curriculum tailored to children with diverse learning needs or language backgrounds.
Using classroom management or parent communication applications (e.g., Brightwheel, Tadpoles).
Directing, training, and coordinating daily tasks for assistant teachers, aides, or classroom volunteers.
Utilizing trauma-informed care, conscious discipline, or school-specific behavioral frameworks.

Responsibilities

Provide daily instruction and care for children using best practices and inspiration from the Charlotte Mason and Classical education models.
Foster a loving, Christ-centered classroom environment that emphasizes virtue, wonder, and discovery.
Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, research-based learning activities aligned with the Florida Early Learning and Developmental standards and the school’s Christian worldview.
Observe, assess, and document children’s developmental progress regularly.
Collaborate with fellow teachers and support staff under the direction of the Preschool Director and Assistant Director.
Communicate effectively and regularly with parents to support learning and child development.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment in accordance with state licensing standards.
Participate in ongoing professional development and training in instructional and early childhood best practices.
Support and participate in preschool and university events, including parent orientations, open houses, and community engagements.

Benefits

All employees are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment.
This position is considered Non-Essential for the purposes of Emergency Response. However, if an emergency occurs while the facility is in operation, this position is designated as essential personnel and is responsible for taking immediate action to ensure the safety and security of all children on the property, at the direction of the Director and Assistant Director.
Must meet and adhere to all DCF training requirements.
Cybersecurity Incident Response
HIPAA
FERPA
Employees report for or must remain at work in emergency situations. Dismissal or closure announcements do not apply to this position, unless instructed otherwise by your direct supervisor or a member of the Leadership Team.
All full-time positions at SEU are deemed security-sensitive and require background checks.
Employees required to drive their own personal vehicle, a rental car or an SEU vehicle in performance of their duties must pass an MVR records check and meet the requirements of the University’s insurance carrier in order to meet the requirements of the position.
SEU is committed to providing a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.
Southeastern University is committed to equal opportunity in employment and education and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.