Infant Toddler Preschool Teacher (309)

Lutheran Services Florida • Crestview, FL

4h • 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 make a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate.
• National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Pre-school or 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.
• OR Certified Childcare Professional (CCP).
• OR an associate or bachelor's degree in child development or early childhood education as well as training or coursework with a focus on infant and toddler development.
• OR an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field as well as training or coursework with a focus on infant and toddler development.
• 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.
• Safe Sleep/Shaken Baby Syndrome training within 30 days 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.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the 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 for educational and enrichment activities for infants and toddlers that meet federal performance standards.
• Arrange classrooms into distinct learning areas to promote an effective learning environment.
• Screen and assess infant and toddler children to determine developmental/educational needs and develop/implement individual education plans.
• Monitor meal, snack, classroom, restroom, 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 ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
• Ensure at least 80% of children are ready for preschool.
• Plan classroom activities for parent and community volunteers.
• Attend and participate in workshops and 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 concerns like ringworm or head lice 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 for classroom use.
• Inspect classrooms and grounds to ensure safety, orderliness, sanitation, and cleanliness.
• Discuss plans and coordinate concerns regarding children and families 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 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