Teacher I

Lutheran Services Florida • Riviera Beach, FL

3d

About The Position

The Teacher I serves as the lead worker in a Head Start or Early Head Start classroom, planning and implementing educational activities for preschool-aged children or infants and toddlers in accordance with federal performance standards. The role participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts and ensures lessons and classroom activities align with Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Standards. The Teacher I conducts required VPK assessments and works toward kindergarten readiness for at least 80% of the children, while achieving CLASS scores above the lowest 10% threshold in each domain and a satisfactory or higher Teacher Success Rubric score.

The Teacher I monitors children’s safety and development, maintains records and portfolios, communicates with families, coordinates with program staff, and supports parent and community involvement. The role may involve providing physical assistance to children with special needs, including lifting a child into a vehicle seat and fastening the safety belt. The position requires sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.

Candidates must meet the specified education and experience qualifications, complete required Florida childcare and VPK training, pass the required screening before hire, and obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire. The position requires the ability to lift at least 45 pounds and to assume seated, bent, or kneeling positions for extended periods. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.

LSF describes itself as a mission-driven organization with 60 programs across Florida. It offers staff opportunities to explore areas of interest within the organization and lists medical, dental and vision coverage, telehealth, an Employee Assistance Program, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, PTO, a 403(b) retirement plan with a discretionary employer match or student loan repayment reimbursement, and tuition reimbursement. Head Start employees’ paid time off and holiday schedule may differ.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education; or an Associate’s Degree in any subject plus coursework equivalent to a major relating to Early Childhood Education and experience teaching preschool-aged children.
• For coursework equivalent to an Early Childhood Education major, at least 18 semester credits in courses specifically focused on areas such as child development, early childhood education and curriculum, early childhood teaching and assessment, psychology, family development, health and physical development, mathematics, science, and children’s literature.
• Completion of State Childcare Training, including a certificate of completion for an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers course.
• Proof of successful completion of 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within 12 months of hire; candidates must enroll within 90 days and complete the coursework within the stated timeline, not exceeding 15 months, depending on their date of entry into the childcare industry.
• Completion of all state-mandated courses for Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK).
• Two years of experience teaching Head Start, Early Head Start, preschool, or kindergarten-age children.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successful Level II background screening, health screening, TB screening, and drug screening before hiring.
• Working knowledge of brain development and its impact on early learning; child development from birth to age five for typical and atypical children; early childhood culture and practices; developmentally appropriate practices; behavior modification theories and practices; and current early childhood educational techniques and practices.
• Skill in applying supervisory techniques, making group presentations, communicating verbally with infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children, and resolving conflicts between preschool-age children.
• Ability to plan, organize, and supervise others’ work; plan, organize, and conduct early childhood education programs; and provide responsive routine care for infants and toddlers.
• Ability to sit on the floor or remain bent or kneeling for extended periods.
• Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate data and develop logical conclusions; communicate effectively orally and in writing; prepare and maintain work-related reports and files; and handle confidential information.
• Ability to use a computer and related software, follow established procedures, administer CPR and First Aid, and implement safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others, provide physical assistance in transporting children with special needs, and safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Must be able to lift at least 45 pounds and provide physical assistance transporting children with special needs.

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 educational and enrichment activities for preschool-aged children or infants and toddlers in accordance 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 individual education plans.
• Monitor meals and snacks, classroom and restroom activities, and playground activities to maintain a safe environment.
• Monitor food service and supplies for adequate inventory.
• Document children’s progress and complete required manual and computerized forms and reports in accordance with federal requirements.
• Refer children to the Center Director by submitting required formal documents.
• Plan classroom activities for parent and community volunteers.
• Attend and participate in workshops and meetings to acquire and share information.
• Communicate with parents about children’s progress, events, classroom activities, individual education plan changes, and other relevant information through conferences, correspondence, and telephone.
• Conduct health checks for concerns such as ringworm, head lice, and other health conditions, and report concerns to the appropriate Health Coordinator.
• Align lessons and classroom activities with Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Standards and conduct required VPK assessments.
• Work toward ensuring at least 80% of children are kindergarten ready, achieving CLASS scores above the lowest 10% threshold in each domain, and receiving a satisfactory or higher Teacher Success Rubric score.
• Use active supervision techniques and maintain positive classroom behavior.
• Maintain a comprehensive, ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child’s work, and developmental assessments.
• Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss each child’s development and progress, help parents develop observational skills, and solicit parent observations.
• Report suspected child abuse and neglect to the designated state agency.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee field trips for assigned children.
• Order supplies and equipment for children with special needs in the classroom.
• Assist in transporting children with special needs by lifting a child into a seat and fastening the safety belt.
• Inspect classrooms and grounds for safety, orderliness, sanitation, and cleanliness.
• Review and forward accident and incident reports.
• Discuss plans and coordinate concerns about children and families with other Head Start/Early Head Start staff.
• Provide First Aid and CPR as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Telehealth with 24/7 online access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday; Head Start employees’ holiday schedule may differ.
• Generous paid time off policy starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employees’ paid time off may differ.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Staff growth opportunities within the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree