Job Details

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for a talented Teacher I who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose & Impact:

The purpose of the Teacher I is to serve as lead worker in the classroom. Performs duties planning and implementing educational activities for pre-school aged children or infants/toddlers in the Head Start/Early Heart Start Program.

Essential Functions:

• Plans, develops and implements daily lesson plans that provide for educational and enrichment activities for pre-school age children or infants and toddlers.
• Plans and arranges classrooms into distinctive learning areas that promote an effective learning environment.
• Screens and assesses children to determine developmental/educational needs and develops and implements individual education plans.
• Monitors meal and snack periods, classroom and restroom activities, and playground activities to ensure a safe environment for young children.
• Monitors food service and supplies for adequate inventory.
• Documents children's progress or lack of and completes all required manual and computerized forms and reports.
• Initiates referrals on children to the Center Director by submission of a variety of formal documents.
• Plans classroom activities for parent and community volunteers.
• Communicates with parents through parent conferences, written correspondence, and telephone 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 and other health conditions, and reports to appropriate Health Coordinator.
• Ensures lessons and classroom activities align with the Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Standards.
• Conducts Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten assessments as required.
• Ensures that at least 80% of the children are kindergarten ready.
• Performs quality staff-child interactions.
• Uses active supervision techniques and maintains positive classroom behavior.
• 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.
• Uses home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations.
• Plans, coordinates and oversees field trips for assigned children.
• Orders supplies and equipment to be used by special needs children in the classroom.
• Assists in the transportation of special needs children by lifting child into seat and fastening safety belt.
• Inspects classrooms and grounds to ensure the safety, orderliness, sanitation and cleanliness of facilities.
• Reviews and forwards accident and incident reports.
• Discusses plans and coordinates concerns regarding the child and family with other Head Start/Early Head Start staff.
• Performs First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education: Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree.

Experience: Two years of experience teaching Head Start, Early Head Start, pre-school or kindergarten age children. Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.

Skills:

• Working knowledge of brain development and its impact on early learning.
• Working knowledge of child development birth to age five for typical and atypical children.
• Working knowledge of culture and practices for early childhood.
• Working knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for early childhood.
• Working knowledge of behavior modification theories and practices relating to early childhood development.
• Working knowledge of current educational techniques and practices relating to early childhood development.
• Skill in the application of supervisory techniques.
• Skill in verbal communication with infants, toddlers, and pre-school age children.
• Skill in resolving conflicts between pre-school age children.
• Ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to plan, organize and conduct early childhood education programs.
• Ability to implement routine care for infants and toddlers in a responsive environment.
• Ability to assume a seated position on the floor, or a bent or kneeled position for extended periods of time.
• 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 follow established procedures.
• Ability to administer CPR and First-Aid.
• Ability to implement safety procedures.
• Ability to provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Why work for LSF?

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

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Teledoc (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 embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.