Lead VPK teacher

Lead VPK Teacher

Position Title: Lead VPK Teacher

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Lead VPK Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing a high-quality Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program that supports the social, emotional, physical, and educational development of young children. The Lead VPK Teacher creates a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment while ensuring that the program follows Florida VPK requirements, curriculum standards, center policies, and applicable childcare regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and implement age-appropriate daily VPK activities and lesson plans.
• Provide engaging learning experiences that support children's school readiness.
• Follow the center's approved VPK curriculum and Florida VPK program requirements.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate classroom.
• Establish positive relationships with children and provide consistent guidance and support.
• Promote children's social-emotional development, language and literacy skills, mathematics, science, motor skills, and cognitive development.
• Observe and document children's progress and developmental needs.
• Complete required VPK assessments, screenings, documentation, and student records accurately and on time.
• Maintain accurate daily attendance and ensure children are properly signed in and out according to center and VPK requirements.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and guardians regarding children's progress, classroom activities, and concerns.
• Participate in parent conferences, staff meetings, training, professional development, and center events.
• Work cooperatively with the Director, Assistant Director, other teachers, and support staff.
• Maintain appropriate teacher-to-child ratios and actively supervise children at all times.
• Follow all health, safety, sanitation, emergency, and child supervision procedures.
• Follow Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), Early Learning Coalition (ELC), VPK, and center policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of children's and families' information.
• Assist with classroom preparation, organization, cleaning, and closing/opening procedures.
• Identify and communicate developmental or behavioral concerns to the Director.
• Support an inclusive classroom environment that respects each child's individual needs, abilities, and family background.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Center Director.

Qualifications

• Must meet applicable Florida VPK/early childhood education credential requirements.
• CDA, FCCPC, or equivalent early childhood credential preferred/required as applicable to the position.
• Previous experience working with preschool-aged children preferred.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Strong communication, organization, and classroom management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with children, parents, and staff.
• Must successfully complete required background screening and meet applicable Florida childcare employment requirements.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification preferred or must be obtained as required.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and meet VPK documentation deadlines.

Skills and Competencies

• Classroom leadership and management
• Child development knowledge
• Lesson planning and curriculum implementation
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Organization and time management
• Patience, professionalism, and dependability
• Positive behavior guidance
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Ability to work independently and take initiative

Physical Requirements

The Lead VPK Teacher must be able to actively supervise and interact with young children throughout the day. The position may require frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, lifting and carrying children or classroom materials, and responding quickly to children's needs and emergencies.

Performance Expectations

The Lead VPK Teacher is expected to maintain a professional and positive classroom environment, provide consistent supervision and high-quality instruction, comply with all applicable VPK and childcare regulations, maintain accurate documentation, and support the center's commitment to providing children with a strong foundation for kindergarten and future learning.

Pay: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a valid CDA credential?

Work Location: In person