VPK Teacher

VPK Lead Teacher Job Description

Reports to: Owner/Director

Position summary

The VPK Lead Teacher provides a safe, nurturing classroom that prepares children for kindergarten through purposeful play and hands-on learning. The teacher plans and implements instruction aligned with Florida’s early learning standards, supports each child’s development, and maintains the records and assessments required for the school-year Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program.

Required qualifications and training

· Hold a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, a DCF-approved equivalent or higher credential, or another educational credential accepted under Florida’s school-year VPK requirements. Provide documentation for Director and Early Learning Coalition verification.

· Complete three approved 5-hour emergent literacy courses (15 hours total) or an approved equivalent. Newly hired instructors who have not completed this training must do so within 45 calendar days of hire under current Florida law. Complete an approved emergent literacy course at least once every five years afterward.

· Complete the approved Implementing the Florida Standards in Preschool Classrooms: 3 Years Old to Kindergarten course and meet applicable standards-training requirements before assignment as the VPK lead instructor.

· Pass Level 2 background screening before employment, maintain required rescreening, and remain eligible to work with children. An educator certificate may not be suspended or revoked in a way that makes the teacher ineligible to teach in a public school.

· Meet applicable DCF introductory training and competency requirements, including approved exemptions where applicable. Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification as required by Four Seasons Preschool.

· Demonstrate strong communication, organization, positive classroom management, and an understanding of preschool development. Experience teaching preschool or VPK is preferred.

Curriculum and instruction

· Use the school’s adopted curriculum to plan learning experiences aligned with the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for children from age four to kindergarten.

· Provide daily learning centers, small groups, large groups, read-alouds, music, movement, outdoor play, and creative activities. Use engaging materials and meaningful conversation to support learning.

· Teach oral language, vocabulary, comprehension, print awareness, alphabet knowledge, phonological awareness, and early writing through developmentally appropriate activities. Introduce counting, number sense, patterns, shapes, measurement, and problem solving through hands-on experiences.

· Support social-emotional growth, independence, motor development, curiosity, and cooperation. Adapt activities for children’s abilities, cultures, languages, and learning needs, and follow the school’s seasonal approach to classroom themes.

· Participate in VPK classroom observations, including CLASS assessments, and use coaching and feedback to strengthen teacher-child interactions and instructional practices.

Classroom management and daily care

· Warmly greet each child and help children feel secure and included. Establish predictable routines, smooth transitions, and clear expectations using positive guidance and respectful language.

· Provide comfort and help children practice sharing, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. Follow school behavior procedures, document concerns objectively, and seek Director support when needed.

· Assist with toileting, clothing changes, handwashing, and other personal care needs with respect for each child’s privacy. Sit with children during meals and snacks and model appropriate manners.

Health safety and supervision

· Actively supervise children at all times, including during transitions, toileting, outdoor play, and rest. Follow required staffing ratios, VPK group-size limits, and the facility’s licensed capacity; promptly report staffing concerns to the Director.

· Maintain a clean, organized classroom. Clean and sanitize materials and equipment, follow illness and infection-control procedures, and report hazards or supply needs promptly.

· Follow school emergency procedures, participate in drills, and respond appropriately to accidents and injuries. Complete health checks and incident reports accurately and promptly.

· Report suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect directly to the Florida Abuse Hotline as required by law. Notify the Director according to school procedures; Director notification does not replace the teacher’s reporting duty.

Assessment attendance and records

· Complete annual FAST Star Early Literacy test-administrator training and required security agreements before administering assessments. Give documentation to the Director for submission to the coalition.

· Administer required FAST progress monitoring during all three program assessment windows, follow test-security procedures, and coordinate scheduling with the Director. Use results and classroom observations to plan targeted instruction and communicate progress to families within required timelines.

· Maintain accurate daily attendance and instructional-hour records, objective observations, screenings, assessments, individualized plans, and other required classroom documentation. Help the Director obtain required attendance verification and keep all child and family records confidential.

Family communication and teamwork

· Communicate respectfully with families about learning, routines, and concerns through school-approved channels, including ChildPilot. Participate in conferences and consult the Director about developmental concerns and referrals.

· Guide and support assistant teachers, students, and volunteers; clarify duties, model appropriate practices, and provide constructive feedback. Work cooperatively with colleagues and keep conversations and personal devices from distracting from children’s care.

· Attend scheduled staff meetings and training, maintain professional appearance and communication, and follow school policies. Complete at least 10 hours of approved annual in-service training and maintain all required credentials and training records.

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person