Preschool Teacher Assistant (320) at Lutheran Services Florida

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

LSF is looking for a talented Teacher Assistant who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

The Teacher Assistant works as part of a teaching team in developing activities for preschool children.  Assists the teacher in carrying out the goals, policies and activities designed to implement educational objectives and performance standards.  Works with families to promote parent involvement in the program.  May serve as Bus Monitor on activities where the program transports children.  May perform additional duties based on program needs and areas of developing expertise.  Participates in the HS/EHS Quality Assurance efforts. 

Essential Functions:  

• Participates in pre-service training. 
• Implements approved curricula in the classroom. 
• Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards and the component plans. 
• With the teacher, guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children. 
• Write weekly observations per assessment procedure. 
• Use parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations. 
• Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices. 
• If needed, serves as a bus monitor in the transportation of children and engages children in song and other developmentally appropriate activities during ride.  
• Guide children's acquisition of social skills. 
• Attend staff training and meetings, and board and parent meetings as requested. 
• Assist in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment. 
• Assists teacher in ensuring that at least 80% of the children are kindergarten ready. 
• Assists in quality staff-child interactions resulting in a CLASS scores greater than the lowest 10% of the threshold in each domain. 
• Uses active supervision techniques and maintains positive classroom behavior. 
• Receives a satisfactory or higher score on the Teacher Assistant Success Rubric. 
• Assists teacher in maintaining 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. 
• Assists teacher in conducting and using 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; 
• Assist in conducting the daily health and environment check list. 
• Assists in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed. 
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures. 
• Assists the teacher in the completion of required reports. 
• Completes timely and accurate time sheets.  
• Distributes newsletters, flyers, and other information to families as instructed by the supervisor.  
• Attends all training, workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor. 
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities. 
• Performs other duties, as may be required.  

Other Functions: 

Note: The duties above 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 pounds 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 Preschool Endorsement; and 

A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Infant/Toddler Endorsement, or Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC) if applicable or be enrolled in a degree program or have an associates, bachelor,  or advanced degree; and proof of successful completion of the 45 hours Florida Child Care Facility training and a Certificate of Completion of an approved 10 hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers within 12 months of hire date. 

Preferred Education: 

Associate  degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Development or a related field with 18 credit hours in Early Childhood Education; and a Certificate of Completion of an approved 10 hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers  and proof of successful completion of the 45 hours Florida Child Care Facility training and a Certificate of Completion of an approved 10 hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers  within 12 months of hire date.  

Experience:  Entry level position 

Also required: Certification in First Aid and CPR within 90 days from the date of hire and successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health, TB and drug screening prior to hiring. Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area. 

Skills: 

• Some knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for early childhood.  
• Some knowledge of behavior modification theories and practices.  
• Some knowledge of current educational techniques and practices.  
• Skill in making presentations to groups.  
• Skill in verbal communication with children and conflict resolution.  
• Ability to assist in the planning, organizing and conducting of childhood education programs.  
• 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 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.  

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.  

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
• Teledoc (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 embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.