Infant Toddler Specialist (3520)

Lutheran Services Florida•St Petersburg, 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 specialist will create a stimulating learning environment, assess children's developmental needs, develop individual education plans, and monitor children's safety and well-being during various activities. This position also requires documentation of progress, communication with parents, collaboration with staff, and participation in professional development. The goal is to ensure children are prepared for preschool and to foster positive relationships with caregivers.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate; and 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 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
A 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.
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.
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.

Responsibilities

Plans, develops and implements daily lesson plans that provide for educational and enrichment activities for infants and toddlers that meet federal performance standards.
Plans and arranges classrooms into distinctive learning areas that promote an effective learning environment.
Screens and assesses infant and toddler aged children to determine developmental/educational needs and develops and implements individual education plans that comply with federal performance standards.
Monitors meal and snack periods, classroom and restroom activities for toddlers, and playground activities to ensure a safe environment for infants and toddlers.
Documents children's progress or lack thereof and completes all required manual and computerized forms and reports in accordance with federal requirements.
Initiates referrals to the appropriate Head Start Teacher by submission of required paperwork.
Uses active supervision techniques and maintains positive classroom behavior.
Develop positive caregiver relationships with children.
Maintains a comprehensive and on-going portfolio assessment for each child including weekly observations in each area, example of the child’s work, and a developmental assessment.
Ensures that at least 80% of the children are ready for preschool.
Plans classroom activities for parent and community volunteers.
Attends and participates in workshops and other meetings to acquire and disseminate information.
Communicates with parents through parent conferences, written correspondence, telephone and home visits to apprise them of child's progress, upcoming events, classroom activities, individual education plan changes, and other relevant information.
Conducts health checks on children for health concerns, including ringworm, head lice or other health conditions, and reports to appropriate nurse.
Reports suspected child abuse and neglect to designated state agency.
Plans, coordinates and oversees field trips for assigned children.
Requests supplies and equipment to be ordered for use by children in the classroom.
Inspects classrooms and grounds to ensure the safety, orderliness, sanitation and cleanliness of facilities.
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 with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
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
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