Early Learning Specialist - Child Development Expert - Supporting Young Minds in Dunedin, FL

Join the Mission to Empower Young Learners in Dunedin, FL At Lutheran Services Florida (LSF), we envision a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. As a leading provider of social services and education, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. Our Early Learning Specialist role is a unique opportunity to join our team and contribute to the growth and development of young children in Dunedin, FL. About the Role We are seeking a talented and compassionate Early Learning Specialist to serve as a lead worker in our classroom, planning and implementing educational activities for pre-school aged children or infants/toddlers in our Head Start/Early Head Start Program. As an Early Learning Specialist, you will play a vital role in shaping the minds of young learners, promoting a love for learning, and supporting their overall development. 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 * Document children's progress or lack of and complete all required manual and computerized forms and reports * Initiate referrals on children to the Center Director by submission of a variety of formal documents * 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 * Conduct Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten assessments as required * Ensure that at least 80% of the children are kindergarten ready Essential Qualifications * Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or 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 * Experience working with children with special needs * Knowledge of child development theories and practices * Experience with curriculum planning and implementation Skills and Competencies * 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 * 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 * Skill in resolving conflicts between 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 * Competitive salary * $3000 Sign-on Bonus * Amazing benefits package, including: + Medical, Dental, and Vision + 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 Why Work for LSF? * Mission-driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need * Growth opportunities as you explore areas of interest within the organization * Emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in all business practices * Equal opportunity employer Work Environment and Company Culture * Collaborative and supportive team environment * Opportunities for professional growth and development * Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion How to Apply If you are passionate about early childhood education and want to make a difference in the lives of young learners, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, and we will be in touch soon! We look forward to welcoming you to our team! Apply for this job