Infant Toddler Preschool Teacher

Lutheran Services Florida • Jacksonville, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking a talented Infant Toddler Specialist to join their Early Head Start Program. This role involves planning and implementing educational activities for infants and toddlers, ensuring compliance with federal performance standards, and participating in quality assurance efforts. The goal is to create a positive impact on the lives of children and families, fostering strong communities.

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.
• A 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

• Plans, develops, and implements daily lesson plans with educational and enrichment activities for infants and toddlers that meet federal performance standards.
• Arranges classrooms into distinct learning areas to promote an effective learning environment.
• Screens and assesses children to determine developmental/educational needs and develops/implements individual education plans.
• Monitors meal and snack periods, classroom and restroom activities, and playground activities to ensure a safe environment.
• Documents children's progress and completes all required manual and computerized forms and reports.
• Initiates referrals to the appropriate Head Start Teacher by submitting required paperwork.
• Uses active supervision techniques and maintains positive classroom behavior.
• Develops positive caregiver relationships with children.
• Maintains a comprehensive and on-going portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
• Ensures at least 80% of children are ready for preschool.
• Plans classroom activities for parents and community volunteers.
• Attends and participates in workshops and meetings to acquire and disseminate information.
• Communicates with parents through conferences, correspondence, phone calls, and home visits regarding child's progress, events, activities, and education plan changes.
• Conducts health checks on children for concerns like ringworm or head lice and reports to the appropriate nurse.
• Reports suspected child abuse and neglect to the designated state agency.
• Plans, coordinates, and oversees field trips for assigned children.
• Requests supplies and equipment for classroom use.
• Inspects classrooms and grounds to ensure safety, orderliness, sanitation, and cleanliness.
• Discusses plans and coordinates concerns regarding the child and family with other Early Head Start staff.
• Performs First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as needed.
• Attends Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) training yearly.
• Maintains strict confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.
• Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Performs 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