Experienced and Passionate Preschool Educator Wanted for a Rewarding Career in Early Childhood Education in Dunedin, FL

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 and support to those in need. As a leading provider of early childhood education, LSF is seeking a talented and experienced Preschool Educator to join their team in Dunedin, FL.

Job Highlights

• Start Date: Immediate openings available, offering a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young children and their families.
• Position: Preschool Educator, a role that requires passion, dedication, and a commitment to providing high-quality education and care to preschool-aged children.
• Location: Dunedin, FL, a beautiful city with a strong sense of community, offering a great quality of life and opportunities for professional growth.
• Compensation: A competitive salary, recognizing the importance of attracting and retaining top talent in the field of early childhood education.
• Company: Lutheran Services Florida, a reputable organization with a long history of providing exceptional services and support to children, families, and communities.

Job Description

The Preschool Educator will serve as a lead worker in the classroom, responsible for planning and implementing educational activities for preschool-aged children. This is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young children, helping them develop essential skills, knowledge, and values that will shape their future. The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Planning, developing, and implementing daily lesson plans that provide for educational and enrichment activities for preschool-age children.
• Creating a safe and effective learning environment, arranging classrooms into distinctive learning areas that promote learning and development.
• Screening and assessing children to determine developmental/educational needs, developing and implementing individual education plans to support their growth and development.
• Monitoring meal and snack periods, classroom and restroom activities, and playground activities to ensure a safe environment for young children.
• Documenting children's progress, completing all required manual and computerized forms and reports, and communicating with parents through parent conferences, written correspondence, and telephone.

Essential Qualifications

To be successful in this role, the candidate will require:

• An Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related degree, demonstrating a commitment to the field of early childhood education.
• Two years of experience teaching Head Start, Early Head Start, preschool, or kindergarten age children, with a proven track record of providing high-quality education and care.
• Bilingual skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish or other languages present in the local area, an asset in supporting the diverse needs of children and families.

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the essential qualifications, the following skills and competencies are preferred:

• Working knowledge of brain development and its impact on early learning, with the ability to apply this knowledge in the development of educational activities and programs.
• Working knowledge of child development, birth to age five, for typical and atypical children, with the ability to support the unique needs of each child.
• Working knowledge of culture and practices for early childhood, with the ability to create a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment.
• Working knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for early childhood, with the ability to design and implement educational activities that support the developmental needs of young children.

Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate will require a range of skills and competencies, including:

• Supervisory techniques, with the ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of others.
• Verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children.
• Conflict resolution skills, with the ability to resolve conflicts between preschool-age children.
• Ability to plan, organize, and conduct early childhood education programs, with a focus on creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At Lutheran Services Florida, we are committed to supporting the professional growth and development of our staff. As a Preschool Educator, you will have access to a range of career growth opportunities and learning benefits, including:

• Professional development opportunities, with a focus on early childhood education and child development.
• Mentorship and coaching, with experienced educators and leaders in the field.
• Opportunities for advancement, with a range of roles and responsibilities available within the organization.

Work Environment and Company Culture

At Lutheran Services Florida, we pride ourselves on our positive and supportive work environment, with a strong focus on teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect. Our company culture is built on a set of core values, including:

• A commitment to excellence, with a focus on providing high-quality services and support to children, families, and communities.
• A passion for making a difference, with a focus on creating positive change and improving the lives of those we serve.
• A culture of inclusivity and diversity, with a focus on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all staff, children, and families.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a range of perks and benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with a focus on supporting the physical and mental health of our staff.
• Teladoc, with 24/7 online access to doctors and medical professionals.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), with a focus on supporting the emotional and mental well-being of our staff.
• Employer-paid life insurance, with a focus on supporting the financial security of our staff.
• 13 paid holidays, plus one floating holiday, with a focus on supporting work-life balance and providing opportunities for rest and relaxation.
• Generous PTO policy, with a focus on supporting work-life balance and providing opportunities for rest and relaxation.
• 403(b) Retirement plan, with a 3% discretionary employer match, or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement, with a focus on supporting the financial security and future plans of our staff.

Conclusion

If you are a passionate and experienced Preschool Educator, looking for a rewarding career in early childhood education, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. At Lutheran Services Florida, we are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children, families, and communities, and we believe that you can play a key role in this mission. Don't hesitate to apply, and join our team of dedicated and compassionate educators, who are making a difference in the lives of young children every day.

Submit your application today, and take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career in early childhood education. We look forward to hearing from you, and exploring how you can contribute to our mission of creating a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.