Assistant Director of Child Care Center

Make a difference in the lives of children with Autism and other sensory processing disorders by joining a one-of-a-kind childcare center, providing part-time and fulltime care for children ages 1-5 years old. Ant’s Farm is opening in Eustis, FL this summer and we are now taking applications for a driven, passionate leader to join our team as our Assistant Director. Join a unique childcare center dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children with Autism and other sensory processing disorders. Ant's Farm, opening this summer in Eustis, FL, provides part-time and full-time care for children ages 1-5 years old.

We are currently seeking a passionate and driven leader to join our team as the Assistant Director. In this role, you will play a key part in shaping the center's environment, curriculum, and overall operations, ensuring that we provide the highest quality care and support to our children and their families.

The ideal candidate will have experience in early childhood education, special education, or a related field, as well as a strong understanding of the unique needs of children with Autism and sensory processing disorders. We are looking for someone who is compassionate, patient, and committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Our center is in the process of opening and we are excited to serve the community this summer. We look forward to meeting with potential applicants this month, and will be making final selections in May, 2025. Our center is eagerly preparing to open its doors and serve the community this summer. We are thrilled about the prospect of meeting with potential applicants throughout this month and conducting interviews to find the perfect fit for our team. We anticipate making our final hiring decisions in May 2025. We encourage all interested candidates to submit their applications promptly and look forward to reviewing your qualifications.

Why Join Ant’s Farm?

• Meaningful, rewarding work
• Competitive pay ($26.44 an hour)
• 10 paid holidays
• 10 PTO days
• Continuous Education Development
• No nights or weekends
• Full-time (32-40 hours per week)
• Uniforms provided
• Opportunity to open a brand new center and influence programs and structure

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Director in overseeing daily operations and program implementation.
• Support the development and execution of individualized care plans.
• Communicate effectively with parents and caregivers, providing updates and addressing concerns.
• Ensure compliance with all licensing regulations and safety standards.
• Assist with staff training, supervision, and professional development.
• Manage administrative tasks, including record-keeping, scheduling, and reporting.
• Collaborate with therapists and professionals to provide comprehensive support.
• Step in for the Director as needed.
• Work with the Director to develop an agenda for weekly team meetings.
• Supervision: Classroom teachers report to the Assistant Director. The Assistant Director is responsible for overseeing classroom management, curriculum development, and lesson planning.
• Reports To: Director of Childcare Center

Qualifications:

• Florida Director Credential with DCF.
• Completed DCF 45 Hours Training (Part 1 and 2)
• Active Staff Credential
• Experience working with children with Autism and sensory processing disorders.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of licensing regulations and safety standards.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Level II Background Check
• English/Spanish is preferred but not required.

About Ant's Farm Childcare Center:

Our Story: A Journey of Love, Struggle, and Purpose

Our journey began in 2020, when founders, Patty and Chris, along with their daughter Deirdre, welcomed a sweet and beautiful baby boy into their lives through adoption. His name was Anthony, but everyone lovingly calls him "Ant." From the moment Ant entered their world, it was clear that their family was about to embark on a path filled with unexpected challenges, but also immense growth and understanding.

Within six months of bringing Ant home, Patty and Chris noticed that he wasn’t reaching the same developmental milestones that their daughter had. His reactions to everyday experiences seemed different, and they couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Concerned and seeking answers, they consulted their pediatrician. At first, they were reassured with the response that every child grows at their own pace and there was nothing to worry about. However, Patty couldn’t ignore what her heart was telling her, and deep down, she knew something was wrong.

Ant was enrolled in a well-known daycare facility, but Patty noticed that every time she dropped him off, he seemed overwhelmed and withdrawn. The noise and chaotic environment seemed to shut him down, and she would often watch in heartache as he clung to her in the car, crying with frustration, as though he had spent the entire day holding in his emotions and struggles. It was a mother's intuition that told her he was not thriving in that environment, and something needed to change.

After many sleepless nights and heartfelt discussions, Patty and Chris made a difficult decision: one of them would leave their job to stay home and care for Ant full-time. They knew that they had to give him the space and support he needed to flourish. Chris stepped up, leaving his job to be by Ant’s side, while he embarked on the long, emotional journey of seeking answers. Together, as a family, they consulted countless specialists, and over the course of three years, they finally received the diagnosis that would shape their future: Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Ant was considered nonverbal.

While the diagnosis provided some clarity, it also brought new challenges. Determined to find the right support for their son, Patty and Chris enrolled Ant in an ESE (Exceptional Student Education) program with the public school system. They were hopeful that this would be the solution they had longed for—the right environment and support to help Ant thrive. However, they soon discovered that their hopes were dashed. The ESE program was wonderful, but it did not include before or after-school care. If Ant were to stay for the extended learning day, he would be placed in a cafeteria with other children, where the noise and stimulation would overwhelm him. There was no separation, no accommodations, and no understanding of his unique needs.

Once again, Patty and Chris found themselves in a difficult situation. They realized that they would have to make sacrifices to ensure Ant’s needs were met. They made the difficult decision to pull him from the extended learning day and adjust their schedules once again to ensure that Ant received the proper care and attention he deserved.

This struggle—the endless search for the right care, the constant advocacy, and the countless compromises—became the driving force behind Ant’s Farm Childcare Center. Patty and Chris had experienced firsthand the frustration of not having the right support for a child with unique needs, and they knew they weren’t alone. They understood that there were many other families in their community facing the same struggles, searching for a place where their children would be understood, supported, and celebrated for who they are.

Ant’s Farm Childcare Center was born from this journey—a place where children on the autism spectrum and with sensory processing disorders can thrive in a safe, nurturing, and customized environment. Patty and Chris’s personal experience has shaped the very foundation of the center, and they are committed to providing the care they longed for their son—a space where every child feels seen, heard, and valued, no matter what challenges they may face.

Ant’s story is more than just a diagnosis; it is a story of love, perseverance, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place for children like him. It is a reminder that with the right support, every child can reach their full potential, and no family should have to face these challenges alone.

At Ant’s Farm Childcare Center, we don’t just care for children; we create a community of hope, understanding, and compassion. And, as Ant’s journey continues to unfold, we are honored to be a part of so many other children’s stories—helping them grow, thrive, and feel truly at home.

Core Values:

• Inclusivity: We embrace each child's uniqueness, fostering a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and understood.
• Empathy: We engage with compassion and sensitivity, addressing each child’s unique needs with kindness and patience.
• Mastery: We strive for excellence by constantly refining our tools, practices, and expertise to provide the highest standard of care.
• Growth & Learning: We cultivate a love for learning, inspiring exploration and challenging each child according to their strengths and interests.
• Ownership: We take personal responsibility to serve our families and community with integrity, always asking what more we can do to improve.
• Impact: We act with intention and purpose, creating meaningful experiences that positively influence our children, families, and community.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter to info@antsfarm.org.

Ant's Farm Childcare Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Candidates should be able to lift up to 50 pounds, stand and walk for extended periods, and perform repetitive tasks while interacting with children at ground level, requiring flexibility and stamina. Successful candidates must be able to fluently read, write and speak English.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $26.44 per hour

Expected hours: 32 – 40 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Florida Childcare Director Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Eustis, FL 32726 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $26