Experienced Preschool Educator Wanted for Immediate Hire - $3,000 Sign-on Bonus and Competitive Salary Package

Introduction to Lutheran Services Florida

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is a renowned organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of children, families, and communities. With a vision of a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant, LSF is committed to providing exceptional services that transform lives. As a leading provider of social services in Florida, LSF offers a wide range of programs that cater to diverse populations in need. If you are a passionate and experienced preschool educator looking to make a difference, we invite you to join our team and become part of the LSF community.

Job Overview

We are currently seeking a talented and experienced Preschool Educator to join our team in Largo, FL. As a Preschool Educator at LSF, you will have the opportunity to work with pre-school aged children or infants/toddlers in our Head Start/Early Heart Start Program. Your primary responsibility will be to plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans that provide educational and enrichment activities for the children in your care. If you are a dedicated and compassionate individual who is passionate about early childhood education, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans that provide 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
• Ensure lessons and classroom activities align with the Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Standards
• Conduct Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten assessments as required
• 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

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
• 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

• Bilingual preferred: 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
• Experience with portfolio assessments and individual education plans

Skills and Competencies

• 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

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At LSF, we are committed to the growth and development of our staff members. As a Preschool Educator, you will have access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge in early childhood education. You will also have the opportunity to work with a talented team of professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families. If you are looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding, we encourage you to join our team and become part of the LSF community.

Work Environment and Company Culture

LSF is proud to offer a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our staff members are passionate about their work and are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others. As a Preschool Educator, you will be part of a dynamic team that is dedicated to providing exceptional services to children and families. You will also have the opportunity to participate in company-wide events and activities that promote team building and camaraderie.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

LSF offers a competitive salary package and a range of benefits that include:

• 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 a passionate and experienced preschool educator looking for a challenging and rewarding career, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Preschool Educator at LSF, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families, while also growing and developing your skills and knowledge in early childhood education. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join our team and become part of the LSF community. Apply today and let's build the future together!