Infant Toddler Specialist $500 Sign-On Bonus

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. The Infant Toddler Specialist plans and implements educational activities for infants and toddlers in the Early Head Start Program in compliance with federal performance standards, and participates in HS/EHS Quality Assurance efforts.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans that provide educational and enrichment activities for infants and toddlers meeting federal performance standards
• Plan and arrange classrooms into distinctive learning areas that promote an effective learning environment
• Screen and assess infant and toddler aged children to determine developmental/educational needs and develop and implement individual education plans complying with federal performance standards
• Monitor meal and snack periods, classroom and restroom activities for toddlers, and playground activities to ensure a safe environment
• Document children's progress and complete all required manual and computerized forms and reports in accordance with federal requirements
• 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
• Receive a satisfactory or higher score on the Infant/Toddler Specialist Success Rubric
• Maintain 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
• Ensure that at least 80% of the children are ready for preschool
• Plan classroom activities for parents and community volunteers
• Attend and participate in workshops and other meetings to acquire and disseminate information
• Communicate with parents through parent conferences, written correspondence, telephone, and home visits regarding child's progress, upcoming events, classroom activities, individual education plan changes, and other relevant information
• Conduct health checks on children for health concerns (including ringworm, head lice, or other conditions) and report to appropriate nurse
• Report suspected child abuse and neglect to designated state agency
• 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
• Discuss plans and coordinate concerns regarding the child and family with other Early Head Start staff
• Perform First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as needed
• Attend Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) training yearly
• Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Attend all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor
• Attend all required staff and parent meetings and activities
• Perform other related duties as required

Requirements

Education

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate
• 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

Certifications & Screenings

• Proof of successful completion of the 45 hours of the Florida Child Care Facility Training
• 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 date of hire
• Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health, TB and drug screening prior to hiring

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
• Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities
• Ability to assume a seated position on the floor for extended periods of time

Language

• 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
• Skill in verbal communication
• Ability to resolve conflicts between toddler aged children
• Ability to plan, organize and implement infant/toddler education curriculums
• 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

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

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 (Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ)
• 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

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs. LSF 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, with growth opportunities to explore areas of interest within the organization.