Join the Lutheran Services Florida Team as an Early Learning Specialist
Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is a renowned organization dedicated to creating a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. We are currently seeking a talented and compassionate Early Learning Specialist - Infant Toddler Preschool Teacher to join our team. As an essential part of our Early Head Start program, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of infants, toddlers, and their families. This role comes with a competitive salary, a $3000 sign-on bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.
About Lutheran Services Florida
LSF is a leading provider of social services, operating 60 programs across the state of Florida. Our mission-driven staff members are committed to transforming the lives of those in need. By joining our team, you will become part of a dynamic community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We offer amazing growth opportunities, a supportive work environment, and a range of benefits to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Purpose and Impact
As an Early Learning Specialist - Infant Toddler Preschool Teacher, your primary responsibility will be to provide high-quality education and care to infants and toddlers in an Early Head Start classroom environment. You will work closely with our team to ensure that our program meets federal performance standards and that our children receive the love, support, and education they deserve.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans that provide educational and enrichment activities for infants and toddlers.
- Create a safe and effective learning environment by arranging classrooms into distinctive learning areas.
- Screen and assess infant and toddler aged children to determine developmental/educational needs and develop and implement individual education plans.
- Monitor meal and snack periods, classroom and restroom activities for toddlers, and playground activities to ensure a safe environment for infants and toddlers.
- Document children's progress and complete all required manual and computerized forms and reports.
- Initiate referrals to the appropriate Head Start Teacher by submission of required paperwork.
- Use active supervision techniques and maintain positive classroom behavior.
- Develop positive caregiver relationships with children.
- Maintain a comprehensive and on-going portfolio assessment for each child.
- Communicate with parents through parent conferences, written correspondence, telephone, and home visits.
- Conduct health checks on children for health concerns and report to the appropriate nurse.
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee field trips for assigned children.
- Request supplies and equipment to be ordered for use by children in the classroom.
- Inspect classrooms and grounds to ensure safety, orderliness, sanitation, and cleanliness of facilities.
- Perform First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as needed.
- Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.
Qualifications and Requirements
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to lift at least 45 lbs. and provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children by lifting child into seat and fastening safety belt. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.
Education and Experience:
- High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.
- A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or Florida Child Care Professional Certificate (FCCPC) for Pre-school or Infant/Toddler Endorsement.
- One year of experience in teaching Head Start, Early Head Start, pre-school, or kindergarten aged children.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- 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.
- 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 prepare and maintain work-related reports and files.
- Ability to handle confidential information.
- Ability to administer CPR and First Aid.
- Ability to implement safety procedures.
- Ability to provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children.
What We Offer
At Lutheran Services Florida, we are committed to providing our staff members with a supportive work environment, opportunities for growth and development, and a comprehensive benefits package. Some of the benefits we offer include:
- Competitive salary.
- $3000 sign-on bonus.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
- Teladoc (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.
Why Work for LSF?
At LSF, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion in all our business practices. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from qualified candidates. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families in need. We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for growth and development, and a comprehensive benefits package.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about early childhood education and are looking for a rewarding career opportunity, we encourage you to apply for this position. Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, to [insert contact information]. We look forward to hearing from you!
Don't miss this opportunity to join our team and make a difference in the lives of children and families. Apply today!
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