Experienced Preschool Aid and Teacher Assistant – Early Childhood Education and Development Opportunity in Clearwater, FL

Introduction to Lutheran Services Florida

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is a renowned organization that envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. With a mission to transform lives, LSF offers a wide range of programs across the state of Florida, serving diverse populations in need. As a mission-driven organization, LSF provides its staff with a unique opportunity to become part of a community that makes a real difference in the lives of others. If you are passionate about early childhood education and development, and are looking for a challenging yet rewarding role, we encourage you to join our team as a Preschool Aid and Teacher Assistant.

Job Overview

As a Preschool Aid and Teacher Assistant at LSF, you will be an integral part of our teaching team, working closely with our experienced teachers to develop and implement activities for preschool children. Your primary responsibility will be to assist the teacher in carrying out the goals, policies, and activities designed to implement educational objectives and performance standards. You will also work closely with families to promote parent involvement in the program, and may serve as a Bus Monitor on activities where the program transports children.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement approved curricula in the classroom, guiding and facilitating activities of the children, including daily activities, field trips, and selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children.
• Write weekly observations per assessment procedure, and use parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress.
• Eat with and assist children in the development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
• Guide children's acquisition of social skills, and attend staff training and meetings, and board and parent meetings as requested.
• Assist in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment, and ensure that at least 80% of the children are kindergarten ready.
• Assist in quality staff-child interactions, using active supervision techniques and maintaining positive classroom behavior.
• Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Essential Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need to possess a High School Diploma or GED Equivalent, and a National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or Florida Child Care Professional Certificate (FCCPC) for Pre-school or Infant/Toddler Endorsement. Alternatively, an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field will also be considered. You should have a passion for working with children, and a commitment to providing high-quality education and care.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a preschool or early childhood education setting.
• Knowledge of child development principles and practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with educational software.

Skills and Competencies

To excel in this role, you will need to possess a range of skills and competencies, including:

• Communication skills: You should be able to communicate effectively with children, parents, and colleagues, both verbally and in writing.
• Interpersonal skills: You should be able to build strong relationships with children, parents, and colleagues, and work effectively in a team environment.
• Organizational skills: You should be able to prioritize tasks, manage your time effectively, and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Patience and empathy: You should be able to work with children who may have diverse needs and abilities, and provide a supportive and nurturing environment.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At LSF, we are committed to providing our staff with opportunities for growth and development. As a Preschool Aid and Teacher Assistant, you will have access to a range of training and professional development opportunities, including:

• Staff training and meetings.
• Board and parent meetings.
• Opportunities for advancement within the organization.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development funding.

Work Environment and Company Culture

LSF is proud to offer a supportive and inclusive work environment, where our staff can thrive and make a real difference in the lives of others. Our company culture is built on a foundation of:

• Respect: We respect the diversity and individuality of our staff, children, and families.
• Empathy: We are committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment, where everyone feels valued and supported.
• Integrity: We operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability, and are committed to making a positive impact in our communities.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

LSF offers a competitive salary and 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 development, and are looking for a challenging yet rewarding role, we encourage you to apply for our Preschool Aid and Teacher Assistant position. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth and development, this is an exciting opportunity to join a mission-driven organization and make a real difference in the lives of others. Don't miss out on this chance to take the next step in your career and apply now!