Lead VPK Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

At Kids in the City Academy, we are dedicated to providing a supportive and stimulating early learning environment for children aged 4-5. Our program focuses on promoting social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development. As a key member of our team, you will play a crucial role in planning, implementing, and overseeing a high-quality classroom.

Responsibilities will include leading lesson planning, supervising assistant/co-teachers or aides, assessing child progress, collaborating with families, ensuring compliance with Florida’s standards, and maintaining a learning environment that supports every child’s growth. A part-time or full-time schedule is available, with the possibility of a full-time schedule.

Schedule: 8:45am-1:45 pm (part-time) or 8:30am-5:30pm (full-time)

• Plan and implement engaging lesson plans that cater to the unique needs and interests of each child, aligning with Florida’s standards and principles of child development.
• Create a safe, clean, and well-organized classroom environment, setting up developmentally appropriate learning centers that promote exploration and discovery.
• Provide guidance, support, and direction to assistant/co-teachers or aides, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team atmosphere.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, incident/accident reports, developmental assessments, and lesson plans, ensuring compliance with state licensing and program requirements.
• Collaborate with families, participating in parent-teacher conferences and responding to parent questions or concerns, ensuring open and effective communication.
• Ensure the well-being and safety of all children, adhering to health and safety regulations, including CPR/First Aid certification and background checks.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, workshops, and training to stay current on best practices in early childhood education.
• Contribute to the overall program quality, collaborating with center leadership and other teachers to support enrollment, retention, and center goals.
• Maintain a nurturing disposition, displaying patience, creativity, flexibility, and a passion for fostering growth and development in each child.
• Lead by example, demonstrating strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills, and a commitment to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.

• Ability to lift and carry children or materials (up to regulatory limits).
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to move around the classroom frequently, assist with children, sit/kneel/squat.
• Patience, creativity, flexibility, and a nurturing disposition.
• Previous experience teaching preschool or VPK, with demonstrated experience leading a classroom.
• Strong knowledge of child development principles and Florida standards.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 60 days of hire date).
• Ability to pass state background checks and meet licensing requirements.
• DCF VPK completion of courses
• Stand for extended periods; interact actively in play and learning.
• Ability to work collaboratively with families, responding to their questions or concerns, and participating in parent-teacher conferences.

• Bilingual skills (preferred).
• Experience with assessment tools (observational assessments, screening, progress tracking).
• Demonstrated leadership experience (mentoring, supervising staff).

• Competitive salary based on credentials and experience.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Possible childcare discount or other employee perks.
• After a 90-day probationary period, employees receive paid holidays.
• No weekend work, Monday to Friday schedule.
• Opportunity for advancement (Assistant Director, Curriculum Specialist, Classroom Trainer, etc.)