Welcome to Lutheran Services Florida
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of those in need. Our mission is to empower children, families, and communities to reach their full potential. We are committed to providing high-quality services that promote safety, strength, and vibrancy in our communities. At Lutheran Services Florida, we believe that every child deserves a strong foundation for success, and we are seeking an experienced Early Childhood Care Provider to join our team in Tampa, FL.
About the Role
We are looking for a talented and compassionate Early Childhood Care Provider to serve as a lead worker in our classroom. As a Teacher I, you will be responsible for planning and implementing educational activities for pre-school aged children or infants/toddlers in our Head Start/Early Heart Start Program. If you are passionate about early childhood education and are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of young children, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans that provide for educational and enrichment activities for pre-school age children or infants and toddlers
- Screen and assess children to determine developmental/educational needs and develop and implement individual education plans
- Monitor meal and snack periods, classroom and restroom activities, and playground activities to ensure a safe environment for young children
- Document children's progress or lack of and complete all required manual and computerized forms and reports
- Initiate referrals on children to the Center Director by submission of a variety of formal documents
- Plan classroom activities for parent and community volunteers
- Communicate 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
- Conduct health checks on children for health concerns, including ringworm, head lice, and other health conditions, and report to the appropriate Health Coordinator
Essential Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- An Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related degree
- Two years of experience teaching Head Start, Early Head Start, pre-school, or kindergarten age children
- 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
Preferred Qualifications
While not required, the following qualifications are preferred:
- Bilingual skills in English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area
- Experience working with children with special needs
- Knowledge of the Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Standards
Skills and Competencies
To excel in this role, you will need to possess the following skills and competencies:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- 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
Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits
At Lutheran Services Florida, we are committed to the growth and development of our staff. As an Early Childhood Care Provider, you will have access to:
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Mentorship and coaching from experienced educators
- Opportunities to advance your career within the organization
- A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, Teladoc, and an Employee Assistance Program
Work Environment and Company Culture
Our work environment is dynamic, supportive, and inclusive. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion in all our business practices and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As a member of our team, you can expect:
- A collaborative and team-oriented work environment
- A culture that values and respects the contributions of all staff members
- Opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of young children and their families
- A comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, holidays, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
Compensation, Perks, and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 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
Conclusion
If you are passionate about early childhood education and are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of young children, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As an Early Childhood Care Provider at Lutheran Services Florida, you will be part of a dynamic team that is dedicated to transforming the lives of those in need. Don't miss out on this chance to join our team and make a difference in the lives of young children. Apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career in early childhood education.
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