Experienced and Compassionate Nursery School Assistant Wanted for a Rewarding Career in Early Childhood Education in Tampa, FL

Introduction to Lutheran Services Florida

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children, families, and communities in need. With a strong presence across the state of Florida, LSF offers a wide range of programs and services that cater to diverse populations, fostering a culture of safety, strength, and vibrancy. As a mission-driven organization, LSF is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others, and we are now seeking a talented and compassionate Nursery School Assistant to join our team in Tampa, FL.

Job Overview

As a Nursery School Assistant at LSF, you will play a vital role in supporting the educational and personal development of preschool children. Working closely with our teaching team, you will assist in developing and implementing engaging activities, guiding children's acquisition of social skills, and maintaining a safe and healthy environment that promotes learning and growth. If you are passionate about early childhood education and are looking for a rewarding career that makes a difference, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement approved curricula in the classroom, working collaboratively with the teacher to achieve educational objectives and performance standards.
• Guide and facilitate daily activities, field trips, and selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom to create a stimulating learning environment.
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, adapting to changing needs and priorities as required.
• Write weekly observations and assessments to monitor children's progress and development, using this information to inform teaching practices and support individualized learning plans.
• Engage with parents and families to promote parent involvement, discussing children's development and progress, and providing guidance on observational skills and strategies to support learning at home.
• Eat with and assist children in developing social and self-help skills, modeling sound nutritional practices and encouraging healthy habits.
• Assist in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy environment, ensuring that all areas of the center are clean, well-organized, and conducive to learning.
• Attend staff training and meetings, board and parent meetings, and other events as requested, contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of our programs and services.

Essential Qualifications

To be considered for this role, you will need to possess:

• A High School Diploma or GED Equivalent, combined with a National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or Florida Child Care Professional Certificate (FCCPC) for Pre-school or Infant/Toddler Endorsement.
• An Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, demonstrating a strong foundation in child development, education, and family support.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• A commitment to ongoing learning and professional development, staying up-to-date with best practices in early childhood education and child development.

Preferred Qualifications

While not essential, the following qualifications and experiences are highly desirable:

• Previous experience working in early childhood education, particularly in a preschool or nursery school setting.
• Knowledge of child development theories, practices, and assessments, including the ability to apply this knowledge in a practical context.
• Experience working with children from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds, demonstrating an understanding of the importance of cultural sensitivity and responsiveness.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and maintain accurate records and reports.

Skills and Competencies

To succeed in this role, you will need to possess a range of skills and competencies, including:

• Communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues, using a range of strategies and approaches to convey information, ideas, and feelings.
• Interpersonal skills: The ability to build strong, positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues, demonstrating empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity and individual differences.
• Organizational skills: The ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and maintain accurate records and reports, ensuring that all aspects of the role are completed efficiently and effectively.
• Problem-solving skills: The ability to identify problems, analyze information, and develop creative solutions, demonstrating a proactive and resourceful approach to challenges and opportunities.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At LSF, we are committed to supporting the ongoing learning and development of our staff, providing opportunities for professional growth, career advancement, and personal fulfillment. As a Nursery School Assistant, you will have access to:

• Comprehensive training and induction programs, introducing you to our organization, policies, and practices.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and online courses, to enhance your skills and knowledge in early childhood education.
• Mentoring and coaching from experienced colleagues, providing guidance, support, and feedback to help you achieve your goals and aspirations.
• Opportunities for career advancement, including promotions, secondments, and transfers, to help you progress in your career and achieve your long-term goals.

Work Environment and Company Culture

At LSF, we pride ourselves on our positive, supportive, and inclusive work environment, which values diversity, equity, and respect for all. As a Nursery School Assistant, you will be part of a dynamic, mission-driven team that is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Our company culture is characterized by:

• A strong sense of community and camaraderie, with a focus on teamwork, collaboration, and mutual support.
• A commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement, with a focus on delivering high-quality programs and services that meet the needs of our clients and stakeholders.
• A culture of openness, transparency, and accountability, with a focus on honesty, integrity, and respect for diversity and individual differences.
• A range of employee benefits, including flexible working arrangements, employee recognition programs, and access to employee assistance programs, to support your well-being and quality of life.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

In recognition of your skills, experience, and contributions, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• A competitive salary, with opportunities for performance-based increases and bonuses.
• A range of employee benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, Teladoc, employee assistance programs, and employer-paid life insurance.
• A generous paid time off policy, including 13 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday, and a range of leave options to support your work-life balance.
• A 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match, or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement, to support your long-term financial security and well-being.
• A $3000 sign-on bonus, to welcome you to our team and support your transition into the role.

Conclusion

If you are a compassionate, motivated, and experienced early childhood education professional, looking for a rewarding career that makes a difference, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Nursery School Assistant at LSF, you will be part of a dynamic, mission-driven team that is committed to transforming the lives of children, families, and communities in need. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for career growth and development, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Apply now to join our team and start making a difference in the lives of others.