Preschool/Early Education Teachers

Lutheran Ser vices Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant .
LSF is looking for a talented Teacher I  who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.
Teacher II role also available with a Bachelor’s Degree qualification
This role is offering a $3000 sign on bonus  
The purpose of the Teacher I  is to serve as lead worker in the classroom.   Performs duties planning and implementing educational activities for pre-school aged children or infants/toddlers in the Head Start/Early Heart Start Program.
Plans, develops and implements daily lesson plans that provide for educational and enrichment activities for pre-school age children or infants and toddlers.
Screens and assesses children to determine developmental/educational needs and develops and implements individual education plans.
Monitors meal and snack periods, classroom and restroom activities, and playground activities to ensure a safe environment for young children.
Monitors food service and supplies for adequate inventory.
Documents children's progress or lack of and completes all required manual and computerized forms and reports.
Initiates referrals on children to the Center Director by submission of a variety of formal documents.
Plans classroom activities for parent and community volunteers.
Communicates 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.
Conducts health checks on children for health concerns, including ringworm, head lice and other health conditions, and reports to appropriate Health Coordinator.
Ensures lessons and classroom activities align with the Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Standards.
Conducts Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten assessments as required.
Ensures that at least 80% of the children are kindergarten ready.
Performs quality staff-child interactions.
Uses active supervision techniques and maintains positive classroom behavior.
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.
Uses home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations.
Plans, coordinates and oversees field trips for assigned children.
Orders supplies and equipment to be used by special needs children in the classroom.
Assists in the transportation of special needs children by lifting child into seat and fastening safety belt.
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 Head Start/Early Head Start staff.
Must be able to lift at least 45 pounds and provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children by lifting child into seat and fastening safety belt. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. 
Education:
Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education; or an Associate’s Degree in any subject, and coursework equivalent to a major relating to Early Childhood Education with experience teaching preschool-aged children. Coursework equivalent to a major related to Early Childhood Education includes but is not limited to the following: 
Coursework: No less than 18 semester credits in courses that focus specifically on child development, early childhood education and curriculum, early childhood teaching and assessment, psychology, family development, health and physical development, mathematics, science and children’s literature. These courses may have been taken in various departments such as Education, Health and Nutrition/Physical Development, Home Economics, Music, Art, Library Sciences, Physical Education and Recreation, Psychology, Family Studies, and others, and must specifically address young children.
Completion of State Childcare Training required including Certificate of Completion of an approved 10 hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers and proof of successful completion of the 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within 12 months** of hire date. In addition, all state mandated courses for the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) required.
**Timeline of completion of the 45 hours is dependent on the candidate's date of entering childcare industry; 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.  
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.
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 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 handle confidential information.
Ability to provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children.
Team player with co-workers and central service office staff.
Cost effective program operations. 
Adherence to agency policies and management practices.
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.
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

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.