Infant Toddler Specialist (50023)

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

LSF is looking for a talented Infant Toddler Specialist who wants to make an impact in the lives of others. 

Purpose & Impact:

Performs duties planning and implementing educational activities for infants and toddlers in the Dream Center that comply with federal performance standards.

Essential Functions:

• Plans, develops, and implements daily lesson plans that provide for 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.
• 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.
• Uses active supervision techniques and maintains positive classroom behavior.
• Develop positive caregiver relationships with children.
• Receives a satisfactory or higher score on the Infant/Toddler Specialist Success Rubric.
• Maintain a comprehensive and on-going portfolio assessment for each child including weekly observations in each area, example of the child’s work, and a developmental assessment.
• Conducts health checks on children for health concerns, including ringworm, head lice or other health conditions, and reports to appropriate nurse.
• 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 the facility.
• Performs First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as needed.
• Attends Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) training yearly.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to UAC children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Performs other related duties as required. 

Other Functions:

• Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.
• Develop and maintain effective communication and working relationships with staff, co-workers, physicians, and youth.
• Maintain Health Information Privacy HIPAA.
• Possess the ability to maintain control and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Provides support and empathy to youth.
• Possess and apply powers of observation to be informed of the interactions and happenings in and around the shelter.
• Learn shelter policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills; preferably bilingual in Spanish.
• Ability to work with a team.
• Supports and understands empowerment philosophy and multicultural awareness.
• Computer proficiency required, including Windows and Microsoft applications.
• Must complete the Dream Center orientation and all required background checks.
• Must possess or obtain Adult and Child CPR, within three months of employment.

 Physical Requirements:

• Bending, stooping, and lifting a minimum of 15-25 lbs. required to complete daily tasks.
• Must have the ability to remain in standing position for extended periods of the workday. 

Education:

An Associate or higher degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or degree in any field with 18 credit hours in Early Childhood Education.

Experience:

One year experience in teaching Head Start, Early Head Start, pre-school, or kindergarten aged children.

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 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 staff, co-workers, physicians, and youth. 
• Accurate, complete and timely submission of paperwork (including reports) to various entities.
• Flexible and adapts to changes in workflow and environment.
• Adherence to LSF personnel policies and procedures.

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)
• 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.