Miami Lighthouse for the Blind is Florida's largest and oldest not-for-profit organization serving the needs of the blind and visually impaired. Through education, training, research and vision enhancement, Miami Lighthouse provides hope, confidence, and independence to people of all ages, transforming the lives of over 90,000 blind and visually impaired people annually, from babies to seniors, and their families. Our programs' impact is statewide, national, and international.
Miami Lighthouse is proud to provide one of the most comprehensive benefits programs in the not-for-profit industry. Our benefits package includes life insurance, accident insurance and long term disability at no cost to our employees; voluntary benefits, including health insurance with Florida Blue for which Miami Lighthouse subsidizes a significant portion of the premium, dental, vision, short term disability and supplemental insurance; generous employer funded 401(k); and above average paid days off.
Early Childhood Teacher
POSITION SUMMARY: This position carries the major responsibilities for developing and implementing individualized lesson plans for each client in learning concepts, equipment and materials, skills and techniques essential to meeting the client's goals.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following, but not limited to:
- Recognizes and considers special needs, interest, learning style, temperament and cultural background of each child.
- Will back-up Director of Miami Lighthouse Academy when not available.
- Promotes creative thinking, independence, and respect to self and others.
- Uses positive guidance techniques consistent with policy and procedure manual.
- Provides academic accommodations as needed or identified in child's IFSP/IEP if applicable.
- Plans and implements curriculum activities that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
- Creates an environment consistent with program philosophy and goals.
- Administers required assessments.
- Keeps accurate, current records of developmental milestones and assessment outcomes.
- Establishes and maintains appropriate classroom atmosphere that is safe and nurturing.
- Attends IFSP/IEP meetings as required.
- Participates in the adaptation of curriculum materials based on client needs and advances in the profession.
- Participates in staff meetings and trainings.
- Maintains lesson plans and case notes as required.
- Implement policy and procedures as they relate to accidents/ incidents if they occur.
- Understand and implement emergency procedures.
- Interact in professional demeanor with caregivers, staff, and visitors.
- Maintain a professional image.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
- Must be able to stand 95% of the day and engage with children on their level in the classroom and on the playground (run, jump, demonstrate physical competence).
- Willing to perform other duties, if required and qualified, to ensure a safe, healthy, nurturing environment for children and families.
- Understand all current state and local regulations.
- Meet or exceeds state training requirement.
- Understand and implement inclusion policies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
- At least 1 year of experience in Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK).
- Florida Educator Certificate required.
- Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English.
- Must have excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
- Valid Florida Driver's License and ability to commute.
- Ability to relocate to Miami, FL. Relocatation before starting work.
- Work in-person required.
- High degree of discretion when dealing with confidential information.
- Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background and drug test screening.
