Teacher Assistant - $1,500 Sign-On Bonus

** Now Offering $1,500 Sign-On Bonus for Teacher Assistants **

Teacher Assistant for Duval Head Start 

Located at the Pearson Center in Jacksonville, FL

Mon - Fri / 40 Hours

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to helping the most vulnerable Floridians, including children, those dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues, the elderly, and immigrants.

LSF is a $250+ million-dollar organization, with more than 1200 employees, operating 60+ programs throughout Florida including Head Start, Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Child Welfare, Refugee and Immigrant Services, Community Counseling and Adult Advocacy among others.

Our vision is simple – to create a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. Our programs are designed to give vulnerable Floridians the tools they need to change the trajectory of their life.

WHY WORK AT LSF

We are mission-driven people bringing healing, hope, and help to those we serve.

COMMUNITY

It’s the kind of work that can only be done together.

At Lutheran Services Florida, we are connected to both the community we work with and the communities we serve… because often, they are one in the same. If you’ve been looking for a team where you are a part of something greater than yourself, consider joining LSF today.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

Because of the number of programs we offer across the state, you’ll have the chance to explore areas that interest you—and then you’ll get the mentoring and support you need to grow once you’re there. For those looking for more than just a “job”, Lutheran Services Florida just might be the perfect place to begin.

MISSION-DRIVEN

Everything we do is rooted in purpose. It is important to us that what we do counts toward a greater good, so our mission to build vibrant communities through stronger families is what drives us forward.

GREAT BENEFITS

• Healthcare
• Teledoc
• Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 403b Retirement Plan With a 3% Employer Match
• Student Loan Repayment Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off Program

OUR CULTURE

Our values drive our workforce: OPEN-MINDED, COMPASSIONATE, GENEROUS, VISIONARY, and HONESTY

Our employees share common competencies: They are adaptable, strong decision makers, use good judgement, effectively communicate, have leadership skills, plan and organize their work.

If this sounds like you then join our team of like-minded, mission-driven employees today!

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

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

1. Participates in pre-service training.

2. Implements approved curricula in the classroom.

3. Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards and the component plans.

4. With the teacher, guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.

5. 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.

6. Write weekly observations per assessment procedure.

7. Use parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations.

8. Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.

9. If needed, serves as a bus monitor in the transportation of children and engages children in song and other developmentally appropriate activities during ride.

10. Guide children's acquisition of social skills.

11. Attend staff training and meetings, and board and parent meetings as requested.

12. Assist in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment.

13. Assists teacher in ensuring that at least 80% of the children are kindergarten ready.

14. Assists in quality staff-child interactions resulting in a CLASS scores greater than the lowest 10% of the threshold in each domain.

15. Uses active supervision techniques and maintains positive classroom behavior.

16. Receives a satisfactory or higher score on the Teacher Assistant Success Rubric.

17. 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.

18. 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;

19. Assist in conducting the daily health and environment check list.

20. Assists in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed.

21. Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.

22. Assists the teacher in the completion of required reports.

23. Completes timely and accurate time sheets.

24. Distributes newsletters, flyers, and other information to families as instructed by the supervisor.

25. Attends all training, workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

26. Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.

27. Performs other duties, as may be required.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

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 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 child into seat and fastening safety belt.

EDUCATION

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate
• A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Preschool Endorsement
• A National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Infant/Toddler Endorsement, if applicable
• A Certificate of Completion of an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers or Infant/Toddlers Course
• Proof of successful completion of the following courses: 6 hours Child Growth and Development; 6 hours Behavioral Observation & Screening; 8 hours Health, Safety & Nutrition; 4 hours Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect; and 6 hours Child Care Facility Rules and Regulations, or a 30-hour Introductory Child Care Training Course.

PREFERRED

Associate or higher 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 or Infant/Toddlers Course; and proof of successful completion of the following courses: 6 hours Child Growth and Development; 6 hours Behavioral Observation & Screening; 8 hours Health, Safety & Nutrition; 4 hours Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect; and 6 hours Child Care Facility Rules and Regulations, or a 30-hour Introductory Child Care Training Course and possession of a National Credential Child Development Associate (CDA) for Infant/Toddlers or Preschool Endorsement; if applicable.

In addition, all state-mandated courses for the Voluntary prekindergarten required.

EXPERIENCE - ENTRY-LEVEL

Also required: Certification in First Aid and CPR within six months of the date assigned to this position; and successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, 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.