VPK Lead Teacher
Future Kids Academy – West Palm Beach, FL
Pay: $14.00 - $18.00 per hour (Depending on experience & credentials)
Job Type: Full-time, In person
About Us
Future Kids Academy is a premier early childhood center dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and dynamic learning environment for children. We believe that every day is an opportunity for growth, and we are looking for dedicated professionals who share our passion for shaping young minds and preparing them for kindergarten success.
The Role
We are seeking an inspiring, organized, and passionate Full-Time VPK Lead Teacher to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will design and implement a high-quality, engaging curriculum that promotes the social, emotional, and academic readiness of our 4- and 5-year-old students. If you thrive on creating a vibrant classroom community and helping children build a strong foundation for their future education, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
Schedule & Compensation
- Position Type: Full-time (Monday through Friday)
- Hours: Typically scheduled within our operational window of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (e.g., 8-hour shifts such as 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.).
- Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
- Employee discount
- Regular performance evaluations and clear pathways for career growth and professional development.
Key Responsibilities
- Curriculum & Kindergarten Readiness: Plan, prepare, and execute age-appropriate daily lesson plans that meet Florida VPK standards. Guide interactive circle times, hands-on STEM activities, literacy exercises, and arts and crafts.
- Classroom Management: Establish a positive, structured, and nurturing classroom environment that encourages independence, collaboration, and a love for learning.
- Child Safety & Care: Actively monitor children to ensure a safe, healthy, and positive environment. Supervise and assist children with daily routines, including meals, handwashing, and outdoor play.
- Ratios & Compliance: Maintain strict state-mandated staff-to-child ratios at all times and uphold all Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing regulations and VPK compliance guidelines.
- Assessments & Progress Tracking: Observe and evaluate children's development, maintaining accurate records and administering required VPK assessments to track school readiness.
- Effective Communication: Maintain open, warm, and professional communication with center leadership, coworkers, and parents. Conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Classroom Upkeep: Keep the classroom tidy, sanitized, well-organized, and stimulating, resetting the learning environment at the end of each day.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Child Development Associate (CDA) or college coursework/Degree in Early Childhood Education strongly preferred.
- 45 DCF Hours Completed (Required).
- VPK Director Credential or VPK Teacher Credentials (Standards, Emergent Literacy, etc.) preferred
- Active CPR and First Aid Certification preferred (or willingness to obtain/renew immediately)
- Minimum of 1 year of teaching or childcare experience (Preferred)
- Strong classroom leadership skills, patience, and a genuine love for working with pre-kindergarten age groups.
- Language: English (Required)
Physical Requirements
- Frequent walking, standing, and interacting on the child's eye level (over 50% of the time).
- Regular lifting and carrying of up to 25 pounds, with occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
- Regular bending, squatting, stooping, kneeling, rising from the floor, and performing quick physical movements to ensure child safety.
- Ability to multi-task and work effectively in a high-energy, vibrant, and loud environment.
Why Join Future Kids Academy? If you are looking for a rewarding position where your leadership and passion for early education can make a lasting impact on young learners, we want to hear from you! Apply today to join our dedicated team of educators.
Future Kids Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $14.00 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
- Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
License/Certification:
- 45-Hour DCF Certification (Required)
- Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
