Preschool Teacher Assistant $3000 Sign On Bonus (3844)

Lutheran Services Florida • Largo, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking a dedicated Teacher Assistant to join their team and make a positive impact on the lives of preschool children. This role involves working collaboratively with a teaching team to develop and implement age-appropriate activities, support educational objectives, and engage with families to foster parent involvement. The position offers a Monday through Friday schedule and a $3,000 sign-on bonus. The Teacher Assistant will play a key role in ensuring children are prepared for kindergarten and contribute to a positive learning environment.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate
• A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Preschool Endorsement OR A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Infant/Toddler Endorsement OR Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC) if applicable or be enrolled in a degree program or have an associates, bachelor, or advanced degree
• Proof of successful completion of the 45 hours Florida Child Care Facility training
• 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.
• Some knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for early childhood.
• Some knowledge of behavior modification theories and practices.
• Some knowledge of current educational techniques and practices.
• Skill in making presentations to groups.
• Skill in verbal communication with children and conflict resolution.
• Ability to assist in the planning, organizing and conducting of childhood education programs.
• Ability to assume a seated position on the floor, or a bent or kneeled position for extended periods of time.
• 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.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Nice To Haves

• A Certificate of Completion of an approved 10 hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers within 12 months of hire date.
• Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Development or a related field with 18 credit hours in Early Childhood Education
• A Certificate of Completion of an approved 10 hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers
• Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Works as part of a teaching team in developing activities for preschool children.
• Assists the teacher in carrying out the goals, policies and activities designed to implement educational objectives and performance standards.
• Works with families to promote parent involvement in the program.
• May serve as Bus Monitor on activities where the program transports children.
• May perform additional duties based on program needs and areas of developing expertise.
• Participates in the HS/EHS Quality Assurance efforts.
• Participates in pre-service training.
• Implements approved curricula in the classroom.
• Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards and the component plans.
• With the teacher, guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children.
• Write weekly observations per assessment procedure.
• Use parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations.
• Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
• If needed, serves as a bus monitor in the transportation of children and engages children in song and other developmentally appropriate activities during ride.
• Guide children's acquisition of social skills.
• Attend staff training and meetings, and board and parent meetings as requested.
• Assist in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment.
• Assists teacher in ensuring that at least 80% of the children are kindergarten ready.
• Assists in quality staff-child interactions resulting in a CLASS scores greater than the lowest 10% of the threshold in each domain.
• Uses active supervision techniques and maintains positive classroom behavior.
• Receives a satisfactory or higher score on the Teacher Assistant Success Rubric.
• Assists teacher in maintaining a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child's work, and a developmental assessment.
• Assists teacher in conducting and using home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations.
• Assist in conducting the daily health and environment check list.
• Assists in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Assists the teacher in the completion of required reports.
• Completes timely and accurate time sheets.
• Distributes newsletters, flyers, and other information to families as instructed by the supervisor.
• Attends all training, workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Performs other duties, as may be required.
• Team player with co-workers and central service office staff.
• Cost effective program operations.
• Adherence to agency policies and management practices.

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