Preschool Infant Toddler Specialist $1000 Sign On Bonus

Lutheran Services Florida • South Bay, FL

7d

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking an Infant Toddler Specialist to plan and implement educational activities for infants and toddlers in its Early Head Start Program in compliance with federal performance standards. The role also participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with an assigned 8-hour shift scheduled within the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A $1,000 sign-on bonus is advertised.

The specialist supports children's development and safety through classroom planning, developmental screening and assessment, individualized education plans, ongoing portfolio documentation, active supervision, and communication with families and Early Head Start staff. The position involves classroom and facility upkeep, parent and community engagement, field trip coordination, required reporting and training, and providing First Aid and CPR as needed. The role requires sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the population served.

Requirements

• High school graduation or a GED certificate.
• One of the following qualifications: a National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for preschool or with an Infant/Toddler Endorsement; a preschool CDA plus equivalent coursework in early childhood development focused on infant and toddler development; a Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) for birth through five years; 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. Timing depends on the candidate's date of entry into the childcare industry; coursework must be started within 90 days and completed within 12 months, not exceeding 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 relating to infant/toddler development.
• Skill in making group presentations and communicating verbally.
• 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 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.
• Ability to lift at least 45 pounds and lift a child into a seat and fasten the safety belt when assisting with transportation of children with special needs.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish, or English and other languages present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans and enrichment activities for infants and toddlers in compliance with federal performance standards.
• Arrange classrooms into distinctive 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.
• Monitor meals, snacks, classroom and restroom activities, and playground activities to maintain a safe environment.
• Document children's progress and complete 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 and positive caregiver relationships with children.
• Maintain a comprehensive ongoing portfolio for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child's work, and a developmental assessment.
• Work toward ensuring that 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 share information, including required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Communicate with parents through conferences, written correspondence, telephone calls, and home visits about children's progress, events, classroom activities, and changes to individual education plans.
• 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 classroom supplies and equipment.
• 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, and attend annual Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) training.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Attend other workshops and meetings as required by the supervisor and perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 24/7 online access to doctors through telehealth.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays and 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.
• $1,000 sign-on bonus.

What This Job Offers

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