Infant Toddler Preschool Teacher (314)

Purpose and Impact

The Infant Toddler Specialist 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.

Essential Functions

• 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.

• Maintains positive classroom behavior and uses active supervision techniques.

• Develops positive caregiver relationships with children.

• 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.

• 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.

• Attends and participates in workshops and other meetings to acquire and disseminate information.

• 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 as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Physical Requirements

• 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.

Education

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate; and A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for 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.

Experience

• Two years’ experience working with Head Start, Early Head Start, pre-school, or kindergarten aged children.

• Proof of successful completion of the 45 hours of the Florida Child Care Facility Training and a Certificate of Completion of an approved 10 hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Infant/Toddlers Course within 12 months of hire date.

• 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.

Bilingual Preferred

• English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.

Skills

• 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.

• 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.

Other

• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Principal Accountabilities

• Team player with co-workers and central service office staff.

• Cost effective program operations.

• Adherence to agency policies and management practices.

• Effective staff management and leadership.

Why Work for LSF?

• Lutheran Services Florida offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need.

• Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need.

• Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.

• 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

• Lutheran Services Florida is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

• This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

• For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.