Preschool Infant Toddler Specialist $1000 Sign On Bonus

Lutheran Services Florida • South Bay, FL

7d

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida is hiring an Infant Toddler Specialist for its Early Head Start Program. The role plans and implements educational activities for infants and toddlers in compliance with federal performance standards and participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with an assigned eight-hour shift between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

The specialist develops lesson plans and learning environments, assesses children’s developmental and educational needs, maintains progress records and portfolios, and supports children’s safety, health, learning, and readiness for preschool. The position also communicates with families, coordinates with program staff, plans field trips and volunteer activities, and participates in required training and meetings. The role requires adherence to confidentiality and agency procedures, and sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED and one of several qualifying credentials or degrees in child development or early childhood education, with relevant infant and toddler coursework or training. Two years of experience working with Head Start, Early Head Start, preschool, or kindergarten-aged children is required. Additional training, screening, and certifications are required on specified timelines, including Florida child care training, infant/toddler practices, safe sleep/shaken baby training, and First Aid and CPR.

Requirements

• High school graduation or GED.
• A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for preschool or with an Infant/Toddler Endorsement; if holding a preschool CDA, equivalent coursework in early childhood development focused on infant and toddler development is required; OR Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) for birth to five years; OR Certified Childcare Professional (CCP); OR an associate or bachelor’s degree in child development or early childhood education with infant and toddler development training or coursework; OR an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field with infant and toddler development 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, with enrollment and completion deadlines dependent on date of entry into the childcare industry.
• 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 completion of 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 for infant/toddler development.
• Skill in making group presentations and verbal communication.
• Ability to resolve conflicts between toddlers 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 in transporting children with special needs.
• Must be able to lift at least 45 pounds and assist with transferring a child into a seat and fastening the safety belt; reasonable accommodation may be available for qualified persons with disabilities.
• Must 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 another language present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans and enrichment activities for infants and toddlers that meet federal performance standards.
• Arrange classrooms into learning areas that promote an effective learning environment.
• Screen and assess children to identify developmental and educational needs, and develop and implement 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.
• Develop positive caregiver relationships with children.
• Meet or exceed the Infant/Toddler Specialist Success Rubric requirements.
• Maintain an ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations, examples of the child’s work, and a developmental assessment.
• Support preschool readiness for at least 80% of children.
• Plan classroom activities for parent and community volunteers.
• Attend and participate in workshops and meetings to acquire and share information.
• Communicate with parents through conferences, correspondence, telephone calls, and home visits about children’s progress, events, classroom activities, and individual education plan changes.
• Conduct health checks and report health 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.
• Coordinate with other Early Head Start staff regarding plans and concerns about children and families.
• Perform First Aid and CPR as needed.
• Attend annual Sudden Infant Death Syndrome training.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Attend workshops, meetings, staff and parent meetings, and activities as required.
• Perform other related duties as required.

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 plus one floating holiday.
• Paid time off starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employee 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