Preschool Infant Toddler Specialist (3251)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is seeking a talented Infant Toddler Specialist who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

The schedule for this role is Monday - Friday. An 8 hour shift will be assigned within the hours of 7:30 - 5:30!

The preferred candidate will be bilingual in English to Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area!

Purpose and Impact:

The Infant Toddler Specialist performs duties planning and implementing educational activities for infants and toddlers in the Early Head Start Program that comply with federal performance standards. Participates in the HS/EHS Quality Assurance efforts. 

Essential Functions:

• Plans, develops and implements daily lesson plans that provide educational and enrichment activities for infants and toddlers that meet federal performance standards. 
• Plans and arranges classrooms into distinctive learning areas that promote an effective learning environment.  
• Screens and assesses infant and toddler aged children to determine developmental/educational needs and develops and implements individual education plans that comply with federal performance standards. 
• Monitors meal and snack periods, classroom and restroom activities for toddlers, and playground activities to ensure a safe environment for infants and toddlers. 
• Documents children's progress or lack thereof and completes all required manual and computerized forms and reports in accordance with federal requirements. 
• Initiates referrals to the appropriate Head Start Teacher by submission of required paperwork. 
• Uses active supervision techniques and maintains positive classroom behavior. 
• Develop positive caregiver relationships with children. 
• Receives a satisfactory or higher score on the Infant/Toddler Specialist Success Rubric. 
• Maintain a comprehensive and on-going portfolio assessment for each child including weekly observations in each area, example of the child’s work, and a developmental assessment. 
• Ensures that at least 80% of the children are ready for preschool. 
• Plans classroom activities for parents and community volunteers. 
• Attends and participates in workshops and other meetings to acquire and disseminate information.   
• Communicates with parents through parent conferences, written correspondence, telephone and home visits to apprise them of child's progress, upcoming events, classroom activities, individual education plan changes, and other relevant information. 
• Conducts health checks on children for health concerns, including ringworm, head lice or other health conditions, and reports to appropriate nurse. 
• Reports suspected child abuse and neglect to designated state agency.   
• Plans, coordinates and oversees field trips for assigned children.   
• Requests supplies and equipment to be ordered for use by children in the classroom.
• Inspects classrooms and grounds to ensure the safety, orderliness, sanitation and cleanliness of facilities.
• Discusses plans and coordinates concerns regarding the child and family with other Early Head Start staff. 
• Performs First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as needed. 
• Attends Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) training yearly.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures. 
• Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor. 
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities. 
• Performs other related duties as required.

Other Functions:  

NOTE: The above duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on the assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described above. 

Physical Requirements:  

Must be able to lift at least 45 lbs. and provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children by lifting the child into seat and fastening safety belt. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. 

Education:

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate; and  

A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Pre-school or Infant/Toddler Endorsement; if preschool CDA, must have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development. OR Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) birth to five years old.

Experience:

Two years’ experience working with Head Start, Early Head Start, pre-school, or kindergarten aged children.

Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area. 

Skills:  

• Working knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for infant /toddler education.
• Working knowledge of behavior modification theories and practices relating to infant/toddler development.
• Working knowledge of current educational techniques and practices relating to infant/toddler development.
• Skill in making presentations to groups.
• Skill in verbal communication.
• Ability to resolve conflicts between toddler aged children.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement infant/toddler education curriculums.
• Ability to assume a seated position on the floor for extended periods of time.
• Ability to collect, organize and evaluate data and develop logical conclusions.         
• 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 use a computer and related software.
• Ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to administer CPR and First Aid.
• Ability to implement safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children.

Other:  

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs. 

Principal Accountabilities:  

• Team player with co-workers and central service office staff.
• Cost effective program operations. 
• Adherence to agency policies and management practices.
• Effective staff management and leadership. 

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need.  Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.

Amazing benefits package including :

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (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)
• Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Lutheran Services Florida is mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes. Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), Lutheran Services Florida must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements. For more information on background screening requirements please visit: 

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.