Early Learning Specialist - Head Start Program - Safety Harbor, FL - Immediate Hiring with $3000 Sign-on Bonus

Join the Lutheran Services Florida Team as an Early Learning Specialist and Make a Difference in the Lives of Young Children

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is a renowned organization dedicated to providing essential services to children, families, and communities in need. With a presence across the state of Florida, LSF offers a range of programs and services that foster a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. We are currently seeking a talented and compassionate Early Learning Specialist to join our team in Safety Harbor, FL. As an Early Learning Specialist, 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 the Role

As an Early Learning Specialist, you will 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. You will work closely with our team to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that promotes social, emotional, and cognitive development in young children.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Perform quality staff-child interactions and use active supervision techniques to maintain positive classroom behavior.

Requirements and Qualifications

Education:

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related degree is required. We welcome applicants with a strong foundation in early childhood education and a passion for working with young children.

Experience:

Two years of experience teaching Head Start, Early Head Start, pre-school, or kindergarten age children is required. Bilingual candidates with English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area are highly preferred.

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.
• Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to plan, organize, and conduct early childhood education programs.

What We Offer

At LSF, we are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters growth and development. Our benefits package includes:

• Competitive salary with a $3000 sign-on bonus.
• 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.