Infant Toddler Specialist

Children First; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Children First seeks an Infant/Toddler Specialist to promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth in the earliest learners. You will implement the Head Start-aligned curriculum and use assessments to tailor experiences for each child, including those with disabilities.

Role emphasizes collaboration with families and staff to support development, and requires active engagement in professional growth and community involvement.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or GED with Infant/Toddler endorsement and FCCPC/Birth-Five certification.
• One year of experience in an early childhood setting with infants/toddlers.
• Complete 45-hour coursework or plan to finish within required timelines.
• Current health appraisal and CPR/First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality early education and development services.
• Plan and deliver curriculum and learning experiences responsive to individual needs.
• Engage families to support children's learning at home and in the program.

Skills

Strong communication

English fluency

Classroom management

Data collection

Team collaboration

Education

HS Diploma/GED and Infant/Toddler endorsed CDA or Birth-Five FCCPC

AA/BA in ECE or related field

Job description

Description

The Infant/Toddler Specialist teacher provides high-quality early education and child development services, including for children with disabilities that promote children's cognitive, social, and emotional growth for later success in school. The Infant/Toddler Specialist delivers the research-based curriculum, and screening and assessment embedded with responsive and effective teacher-child interactions that support individualization and growth in the areas of development described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcome Framework: Birth to Five (HSELOF) and support family engagement in children's learning and development.

We offer a supportive work environment that values professional growth, teamwork, and community engagement. Join us in shaping the future by nurturing the potential of our youngest learners.

Requirements

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Driver's License and acceptable driving record - proof of auto insurance within agency limits, or access to transportation.
• Immediate/continued enrollment in the Criminal History Registry-Child Care Division.
• Current Health Appraisal, updated every two (2) years.
• Certification in First Aid and Adult, Infant and Child CPR.

Education/Equivalent Experience:

• Required: HS Diploma/GED and Infant/Toddler endorsed CDA or Birth-Five FCCPC.
• Desired/Preferred Education: AA; BA; or MA in Early Childhood Education or related field with 18+ semester hours in ECE/Child Development.
• State mandated 45-hour coursework completion or ability to complete within established timeframes.
• One (1) year experience working in an early childhood setting with a diverse population of infants and toddlers, ages birth to three.

Demonstrate/Knowledge to:

• Provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions.
• Plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation.
• Use results of assessment to promote children's progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and any applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate.
• Set and maintain professional boundaries with families.
• Use technology to plan, record, report and monitor education and child development services

Skill/Ability to:

• Speak, read and write English; bilingual language(s) is helpful.
• Collect, analyze and utilize data to plan and monitor growth in child outcomes and school readiness.
• Solve problems and make appropriate decisions.
• Manage time, solve problems and make appropriate decisions in varying situations.
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively with fellow staff, parents, and community representatives.

Physical/Mental Demands:

• Lifts and/or moves up to 50 lbs.
• Kneels, stoops, bends, reaches and sits on floor to attend to children's needs.
• Sitting, for working at keyboard and desk, standing, driving for home and site visits.
• Moves quickly in response to active children in need of redirection to protect their and others safety.
• Uses manual dexterity, reaches with hands and arms, stretches, and talks or hears.
• Responds both physically and mentally to emergency or crisis situations.

Environmental Conditions:

• Variability in temperature, environment and noise.
• Potential sensory response associated with toileting and/or children who are ill.
• Contact with children who are ill and/or possibly contagious.
• Contact with chemicals to clean and sanitize equipment and facility.

Children First is an equal opportunity employer.

Please see the link below to the new care provider background screening clearinghouse education and awareness website. This site was implemented under the directive of HB 531 (2025). As part of these requirements each specified agency must include a clear and conspicuous link to the webpage on its website and provide the link in all job vacancy advertisements and posts.

https://info.flclearinghouse.com