Preschool Infant Toddler Specialist

Lutheran Services Florida • West Palm Beach, FL

9d

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. LSF is seeking a talented Infant Toddler Specialist who wants to make an impact in the lives of others. The schedule for this role is Monday - Friday. An 8 hour shift will be assigned within the hours of 7:30 - 5:30! The preferred candidate will be bilingual in English to Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area! Purpose and Impact: Performs duties planning and implementing educational activities for infants and toddlers in the Early Head Start Program that comply with federal performance standards. Participates in the HS/EHS Quality Assurance efforts.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate; and A 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.
• Two years’ experience working with Head Start, Early Head Start, pre-school, or kindergarten aged children.
• 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.
• Must be able to lift at least 45 lbs. and provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children by lifting the child into seat and fastening safety belt.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Plans, develops and implements daily lesson plans that provide 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.
• Receives a satisfactory or higher score on the Infant/Toddler Specialist Success Rubric.
• Maintain 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 parents 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

• Amazing benefits package including : 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)
• Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 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