Infant Toddler Preschool Teacher (314)

Lutheran Services Florida • Crestview, FL

12h • Onsite

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking a talented Infant Toddler Specialist to make an impact in the lives of others. The Infant Toddler Specialist will plan and implement educational activities for infants and toddlers in the Early Head Start Program, ensuring compliance with federal performance standards and participating in HS/EHS Quality Assurance efforts.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate.
• A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Infant/Toddler Endorsement; if preschool CDA, must have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development.
• OR Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) birth to five years old.
• Two years’ experience working with Head Start, Early Head Start, pre-school, or kindergarten aged children.
• Proof of successful completion of the 45 hours of the Florida Child Care Facility Training.
• Certificate of Completion of an approved 10 hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Infant/Toddlers Course within 12 months of hire date.
• Certification in First Aid and CPR within 90 days from the date of hire.
• Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health, TB and drug screening prior to hiring.
• Working knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for infant/toddler education.
• Working knowledge of behavior modification theories and practices relating to infant/toddler development.
• Working knowledge of current educational techniques and practices relating to infant/toddler development.
• Skill in making presentations to groups.
• Skill in verbal communication.
• Ability to resolve conflicts between toddler aged children.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement infant/toddler education curriculums.
• Ability to assume a seated position on the floor for extended periods of time.
• Ability to collect, organize and evaluate data and develop logical conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and maintain work related reports and files.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to administer CPR and First Aid.
• Ability to implement safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans with educational and enrichment activities for infants and toddlers that meet federal performance standards.
• Arrange classrooms into distinctive learning areas to promote an effective learning environment.
• Screen and assess infant and toddler aged children to determine developmental/educational needs and develop/implement individual education plans.
• Monitor meal and snack periods, classroom and restroom activities, and playground activities to ensure a safe environment.
• Document children's progress and complete all required manual and computerized forms and reports.
• Initiate referrals to the appropriate Head Start Teacher by submitting required paperwork.
• Use active supervision techniques and maintain positive classroom behavior.
• Develop positive caregiver relationships with children.
• Maintain a comprehensive and on-going portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
• Ensure at least 80% of the children are ready for preschool.
• Plan classroom activities for parents and community volunteers.
• Attend and participate in workshops and other meetings to acquire and disseminate information.
• Communicate with parents through conferences, correspondence, phone calls, and home visits regarding child's progress, events, activities, and education plan changes.
• Conduct health checks on children for health concerns and report to the appropriate nurse.
• Report suspected child abuse and neglect to the designated state agency.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee field trips for assigned children.
• Request supplies and equipment to be ordered for classroom use.
• Inspect classrooms and grounds to ensure safety, orderliness, sanitation, and cleanliness.
• Discuss plans and coordinate concerns regarding the child and family with other Early Head Start staff.
• Perform First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as needed.
• Attend Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) training yearly.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.
• Attend all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Attend all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED