Infant Toddler Preschool Teacher (30172)

Lutheran Services Florida•Tarpon Springs, FL

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking an Infant Toddler Preschool Teacher for its Early Head Start Program. The position plans and implements educational activities for infants and toddlers in compliance with federal performance standards and participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts. The teacher creates and maintains a safe, effective learning environment; assesses children’s developmental and educational needs; develops individual education plans; and documents each child’s progress through required records, observations, work samples, and developmental assessments. The role includes active supervision, positive behavior support, family communication, coordination with Early Head Start staff, and participation in meetings, trainings, and program activities. The teacher also conducts health checks, reports suspected abuse or neglect, and supports children’s health and safety, including providing First Aid and CPR as needed. Candidates must meet one of the listed education and credential pathways and have two years of relevant experience. Additional training, screening, and certification deadlines apply after hire. LSF offers a benefits package that includes health coverage, paid time off, retirement or student loan repayment options, and tuition reimbursement.

Requirements

High school graduation or a GED certificate.
Meet one of the following education and credential pathways: a National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Preschool or Infant/Toddler Endorsement; a preschool CDA plus equivalent early childhood development coursework focused on infant and toddler development; a Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) for birth to five years; a Certified Childcare Professional (CCP); an associate or bachelor’s degree in child development or early childhood education plus training or coursework focused on infant and toddler development; or an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field plus training or coursework focused on infant and toddler development.
Two years of experience working with Head Start, Early Head Start, preschool, or kindergarten-aged children.
Proof of successful completion of 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training. Candidates must enroll within 90 days to take the coursework and complete it within 12 months, subject to the stated timeline based on when they entered the childcare industry; completion must not exceed 15 months.
Complete an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Infant/Toddlers course within 12 months of hire.
Complete Safe Sleep/Shaken Baby Syndrome training within 30 days of hire.
Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
Successfully complete a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health screening, TB screening, and drug screening before hiring.
Working knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices, behavior modification theories and practices, and current educational techniques for infant/toddler development.
Skill in making presentations to groups and in verbal communication.
Ability to resolve conflicts between toddler-aged children and plan, organize, and implement infant/toddler education curricula.
Ability to sit on the floor for extended periods.
Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate data and develop logical conclusions.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to prepare and maintain work-related reports and files.
Ability to handle confidential information, use a computer and related software, and follow established procedures.
Ability to administer CPR and First Aid and implement safety procedures.
Ability to work effectively with others and provide physical assistance when transporting children with special needs.
Demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
Ability to lift at least 45 pounds and physically assist in transporting children with special needs, including lifting a child into a seat and fastening the safety belt; reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability in English and Spanish, or English and another language present in the local area.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans and enrichment activities for infants and toddlers that meet federal performance standards.
Arrange classrooms into distinct learning areas that promote an effective learning environment.
Screen and assess children to identify developmental and educational needs, and develop and implement compliant individual education plans.
Supervise meals, snacks, classroom and restroom activities, and playground activities to maintain children’s safety.
Document children’s progress and complete required manual and computerized forms and reports.
Refer children 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 an ongoing portfolio for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child’s work, and a developmental assessment.
Ensure that at least 80% of the children are ready for preschool.
Plan classroom activities for parent and community volunteers.
Attend and participate in workshops, meetings, and required staff and parent activities.
Communicate with parents through conferences, written correspondence, telephone calls, and home visits about children’s progress, events, classroom activities, and individual education plan changes.
Conduct health checks for concerns such as ringworm and head lice, and report concerns 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 classroom supplies and equipment.
Inspect classrooms and grounds for safety, orderliness, sanitation, and cleanliness.
Discuss plans and coordinate child and family concerns with other Early Head Start staff.
Provide First Aid and CPR as needed and attend annual Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) training.
Maintain confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.
Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
24/7 online access to doctors through telehealth
Employee Assistance Program
Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary
13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday
Generous paid time off policy starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employees’ time-off and holiday schedules may differ
403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement