Preschool Educator - Early Childhood Development Specialist - Saint Petersburg, FL - Head Start & Early Head Start Programs - $3000 Sign-on Bonus

Join the Lutheran Services Florida Team as a Preschool Educator and Make a Difference in the Lives of Young Children Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is a leading provider of social services and education, dedicated to creating a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. We are seeking a talented and compassionate Preschool Educator to join our team in Saint Petersburg, FL. As a Preschool Educator, 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 Our Organization LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida, serving a wide range of populations in need. Our mission-driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. We provide amazing growth opportunities for our staff to explore areas of interest within the organization. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in all our business practices, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Purpose and Impact As a Preschool Educator at LSF, you will serve as a lead worker in the classroom, responsible for planning and implementing daily lesson plans that provide educational and enrichment activities for pre-school age children or infants/toddlers. You will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young children, helping them develop essential skills and knowledge that will benefit them throughout their lives. Key Responsibilities Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans that provide educational and enrichment activities for pre-school age children or infants/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, using active supervision techniques and maintaining positive classroom behavior. 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. Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related degree. Experience working with children with special needs. Knowledge of child development theories and practices. 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. Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits At LSF, we are committed to providing our staff with opportunities for growth and development. As a Preschool Educator, you will have access to: Professional development training and coaching. Mentorship and support from experienced educators. Opportunities for advancement within the organization. A comprehensive 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. Work Environment and Company Culture At LSF, we strive to create a positive and supportive work environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and growth. Our staff members are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, and we encourage a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusivity. Compensation and Benefits We offer a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes: $3000 sign-on bonus. Competitive salary. 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. How to Apply If you are passionate about early childhood education and are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young children, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, to [insert contact information]. We look forward to hearing from you! Don't miss out on this opportunity to join our team and make a difference in the lives of others. Apply now and start your journey with Lutheran Services Florida! Apply for this job