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 compliance with federal performance standards. The role participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts and supports children’s learning, development, health, and safety in partnership with families and program staff.

The Teacher I maintains a safe, effective classroom environment; assesses and documents each child’s development and progress; communicates with parents; and coordinates with other staff, volunteers, and community resources. The position also supports children with special needs, including assisting with transportation, and helps ensure that classroom practices align with Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten Standards and program requirements.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education; or an associate’s degree in any subject, coursework equivalent to a major relating to Early Childhood Education, and experience teaching preschool-aged children.
• For coursework equivalent to a major, at least 18 semester credits in courses specifically focused on areas such as child development, early childhood education and curriculum, teaching and assessment, psychology, family development, health and physical development, mathematics, science, and children’s literature, addressing young children.
• Complete required state childcare training, including an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers certificate and 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within the stated timeline; enroll within 90 days and complete within 12 months, with a maximum of 15 months depending on date of entry into the childcare industry.
• Complete all state-mandated courses required for Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK).
• Two years of experience teaching Head Start, Early Head Start, preschool, or kindergarten-age children.
• Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successfully complete 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; and current educational techniques and practices.
• Skills 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 the work of others and to plan, organize, and conduct early childhood education programs.
• Ability to implement responsive routine care for infants and toddlers.
• Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate data and draw 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 and provide physical assistance in transporting children with special needs.
• Ability to assume a seated position on the floor or a bent or kneeling position for extended periods.
• Ability to 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 physically assist with 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 that meet federal performance standards.
• Arrange classrooms into learning areas that promote an effective learning environment.
• Screen and assess children, determine developmental and educational needs, and develop and implement individual education plans.
• Monitor meals, snacks, classroom and restroom activities, and playground activities to maintain children’s safety.
• 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 formal documentation.
• 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, written correspondence, and telephone regarding children’s progress, events, classroom activities, and individual education plan changes.
• Conduct health checks and report health concerns to the appropriate Health Coordinator.
• Ensure lessons and classroom activities align with Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Standards and conduct required VPK assessments.
• Support the goal that at least 80% of children are kindergarten ready and meet applicable classroom interaction and Teacher Success Rubric expectations.
• Use active supervision and maintain positive classroom behavior.
• Maintain a comprehensive, ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
• Conduct home visits and parent conferences to discuss children’s development and progress, build parents’ 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 with transporting children with special needs by lifting them into seats and fastening safety belts.
• Inspect classrooms and grounds for safety, orderliness, sanitation, and cleanliness.
• Review and forward accident and incident reports.
• Coordinate child and family concerns with other Head Start/Early Head Start staff.
• Perform First Aid and CPR as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

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 and one floating holiday.
• Generous paid time off policy, starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employee schedules may differ.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Growth opportunities within the organization.

What This Job Offers

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