Para - CDAT Head Start

Job Details Job ID: 5922648

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 11, 2026 9:19 AM (UTC) Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description: Position Title Para - CDAT Head Start

Custom Job Purpose: This position exists to plan, implement and assess student growth and compliance with the Head Start performance standards, state standards and developmentally appropriate classroom activities. The Child Development Associate Teacher will implement services to support the Head Start child and his/her family. Complies with federal Head Start performance standards. Essential Functions of this Job Plays a lead role in planning, teaching, and organizing classroom activities. Functions as team when partnered with another CDAT or certified teacher. Is co-responsible for the total classroom operation. Is co-responsible for the preparation and implementation of all curriculum activities. Assists in the assessment of children's educational, social, and emotional needs. Takes part in staff development activities. Complies with Head Start program rules including home visits and family contacts. Supports monthly parent involvement opportunities to encourage nurturing skills and establish rapport between school and family. Serves as a liaison between school based personnel and preschool parents during the transition to kindergarten. Non-Essential Functions of this Job Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: The minimum qualification is a combination of education and experience, with a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, an AA or AS degree in Early Childhood, or a CDA equivalency (FCCPC), Must be Voluntary Prekindergarten credentialed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) certified to instruct. Actual work experience should be in nursery school teaching, childcare, Head Start, or other preschool program, kindergarten, or other relevant experience, preferably with preschool economically disadvantaged children and their families.Â

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of Head Start Administration purpose and procedures. Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education. Knowledge of appropriate strategies for observation and assessment of young children. Demonstrate ability to relate well with people of varied socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Excellent communications skills. Well organized. Ability to model appropriate behaviors within a variety of settings. Able to provide own transportation with reimbursement according to School Board policies. Bilingual/biliterate preferred. Work Context Requires some sitting and standing, walking and moving about to coordinate work. Requires the use of alternative communication systems, such as electronic mail, telephones, and computers. Requires coordination of work tasks to establish priorities, set goals and meet deadlines. Requires face-to-face discussions and contact with students, individuals, and/or teams. Requires work with students, internal and external contacts, and with the public. Physical Environment Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions. Requires sitting, standing, walking, and the ability to lift, carry, move and/or position objects infrequently weighing up to 50 pounds and/or 20 pounds of force frequently and/or 10 pounds of force as needed to move objects. Requires travel to schools and worksites within the district. Collective Bargaining Agreement 3 - Para Union - F2 - OSP EQ Salary Grade N/A Pay Grade PA07 FLSA Status Non-Exempt Local Code 10082 EEO5 48 Approval Date 6/15/2011 Date Last Revised 7/8/2013

Position Type: Full-time Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA Contact Information Polk County Public Schools 1907 South Floral Ave. Bartow, Florida 33830 Phone: 863-534-0781 Email: jobs@polk-fl.net Map The content you submit, offer, contribute, attach, post, or display (each a “Submission”) will be viewed by other users of the service who may or may not be accurately representing who they are or who they represent. Do not include any sensitive data in your submissions. Any submission or any use or reliance on any content or materials posted via the service or obtained by you through the use of the service is at your own risk. “Sensitive data” for purposes of this section means social security or other government-issued identification numbers, medical or health information, account security information, individual financial account information, credit/debit/gift or other payment card information, account passwords, individual credit and income information or any other sensitive personal data as defined under applicable laws.