Infant Toddler Preschool Teacher (30172)

Lutheran Services Florida • Tarpon Springs, FL

1d

About The Position

The Infant Toddler Preschool Teacher plans and implements educational activities for infants and toddlers in the Early Head Start Program in accordance with federal performance standards, and participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts. The role supports children’s development and safety, maintains comprehensive assessment and progress records, and works collaboratively with families, volunteers, and Early Head Start staff.

The teacher plans daily lessons and classroom learning areas; screens and assesses children and develops individual education plans; supervises children during classroom, meal, restroom, and playground activities; and maintains a safe, clean, and orderly environment. The position involves communicating with parents through conferences, correspondence, calls, and home visits; coordinating referrals and field trips; monitoring children’s health and reporting concerns; and maintaining confidentiality. The teacher also attends required trainings, meetings, and activities and performs First Aid and CPR as needed.

Candidates must meet the stated education and credential requirements, have two years of relevant experience, complete required training and screenings within the specified timelines, and demonstrate the ability to meet the physical requirements of the role. Bilingual English/Spanish or English and another language used in the local area is preferred.

Requirements

• High school graduation or GED, plus one of the following: a National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Preschool or an Infant/Toddler Endorsement; a preschool CDA with equivalent early childhood development coursework focused on infant and toddler development; a Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) for birth to age five; a Certified Childcare Professional (CCP); an associate or bachelor’s degree in child development or early childhood education with training or coursework focused on infant and toddler development; or an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field with such training or coursework.
• 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. Enrollment must occur within 90 days, with completion within 12 months and no later than 15 months, depending on the candidate’s date of entry into the childcare industry.
• Certificate of completion of an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Infant/Toddlers course within 12 months of hire.
• Safe Sleep/Shaken Baby Syndrome training within 30 days of hire.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successful 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.
• Presentation and verbal communication skills; effective oral and written communication; and the ability to resolve conflicts between toddler-aged children.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement infant/toddler education curricula; collect, organize, and evaluate data; and draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to prepare and maintain work-related reports and files, 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 in transporting children with special needs.
• Ability to assume a seated position on the floor for extended periods.
• Ability to lift at least 45 pounds and assist with 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.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual English/Spanish or English and another language present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans and educational and enrichment activities that meet federal performance standards.
• Arrange classrooms into distinctive learning areas that promote an effective learning environment.
• Screen and assess infant and toddler children, determine developmental and educational needs, and develop and implement individual education plans.
• Monitor meals, snacks, classroom and restroom activities, and playground activities to ensure children’s safety.
• Document children’s progress and complete required manual and computerized forms and reports.
• Submit required paperwork to initiate referrals to the appropriate Head Start Teacher.
• Use active supervision techniques and maintain positive classroom behavior and positive caregiver relationships with children.
• Receive a satisfactory or higher score on the Infant/Toddler Specialist Success Rubric.
• Maintain an ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, work samples, and a developmental assessment.
• Work toward ensuring at least 80% of children are ready for preschool.
• Plan classroom activities for parent and community volunteers.
• Attend workshops and meetings to acquire and share information, including required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Communicate with parents about children’s progress, events, classroom activities, individual education plan changes, and other relevant information through conferences, correspondence, telephone calls, and home visits.
• Conduct health checks, including checks for ringworm, head lice, and other health conditions, 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 supplies and equipment for classroom use.
• Inspect classrooms and grounds for safety, orderliness, sanitation, and cleanliness.
• Discuss plans and coordinate concerns about children and families with other Early Head Start staff.
• Perform First Aid and CPR as needed.
• Attend annual Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) training.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Work cooperatively with co-workers and central service office staff, support cost-effective program operations, and adhere to agency policies and management practices.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 24/7 telehealth access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays and one floating holiday; Head Start employee schedules may differ.
• Generous paid time off starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employee schedules may differ.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Growth opportunities within the organization.

What This Job Offers

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