Preschool Educator - Early Childhood Development Specialist in Largo, FL - Head Start & Early Head Start Programs - Immediate Hiring with $3000 Sign-on Bonus

Join the Lutheran Services Florida Team as a Preschool Educator and Make a Difference in the Lives of Young Children

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is a leading provider of social services and education, dedicated to creating a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. We are currently seeking a talented and compassionate Preschool Educator to join our team in Largo, FL. As a Preschool Educator, you will play a vital role in planning and implementing educational activities for pre-school aged children or infants/toddlers in our Head Start/Early Head Start Program.

About Our Organization

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida, serving a wide range of populations in need. Our mission-driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. We provide growth opportunities for our staff to explore areas of interest within the organization, and we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all business practices.

Job Summary

We are looking for a qualified Preschool Educator to serve as a lead worker in the classroom, responsible for planning and implementing daily lesson plans that provide for educational and enrichment activities for pre-school age children or infants and toddlers. The ideal candidate will have a passion for early childhood education, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with children, parents, and colleagues.

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.
• Arrange classrooms into distinctive learning areas that promote an effective learning environment.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ensure lessons and classroom activities align with the Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Standards.
• Conduct Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten assessments as required.
• Ensure that at least 80% of the children are kindergarten ready.

Essential Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related degree.
• Experience working with children with special needs.
• Knowledge of child development theories and practices.

Skills and Competencies

• Working knowledge of brain development and its impact on early learning.
• Working knowledge of child development from 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.
• 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.

What We Offer

LSF provides an amazing 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.

Why Work for LSF?

At LSF, we value our staff and provide opportunities for growth and development. Our staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all business practices and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about early childhood education and are looking for a rewarding career, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application today, and join our team in making a difference in the lives of young children and their families.

Don't hesitate to apply! We value a great attitude and a willingness to learn above all.