Volunteer Pre-Kindergarten Teacher (VPK)
BAYCOLA is seeking a dedicated and passionate VPK Teacher to join our early childhood education team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for fostering a nurturing learning environment, implementing curriculum, and supporting the developmental needs of young children. This role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's growth and learning through engaging instruction and effective classroom management. The Teacher will collaborate with parents, colleagues, and specialists to ensure each child's educational journey is enriching and supportive.
OVERVIEW
A Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Teacher leads hands-on, state-aligned lessons to prepare children for kindergarten. Responsibilities include managing the classroom, tracking developmental milestones, and communicating with parents. In Florida, lead instructors must meet specific Department of Children and Families (DCF) educational requirements. Other key responsibilities are Curriculum & Instruction: Plan and implement daily, age-appropriate play-based learning activities covering numbers, shapes, letters, and social skills. Our VPK Program utilizes Frog Street Excel Pre-K a comprehensive dual-language, curriculum for 4-year-olds to prepare them for kindergarten. It focuses on social-emotional learning using Conscious discipline, integrated STEAM projects, and interactive literacy. Student Assessment: Document student progress, observe developmental milestones, and conduct formal parent-teacher conferences. Classroom Management: Maintain a safe, structured, and engaging classroom environment while adhering to child-to-staff ratio requirements. Family Communication: Build positive relationships with parents through daily updates, behavior reports, and regular progress tracking.
Required Qualifications (Florida Standard)
- Education: Minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC), or an Associate/bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
- State Certifications: Completion of DCF 40-hour training, the VPK Emergent Literacy course, and other specialized state literacy/standards courses.
- Compliance: Ability to pass a Level II background check and maintain Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification.
Duties
- Develop and implement age-appropriate curriculum tailored to early childhood development standards, including literacy, math, physical education, and social-emotional skills.
- Plan and execute engaging lesson plans that promote active learning and curiosity among children.
- Manage classroom behavior using positive behavior management techniques to create a safe and respectful environment.
- Support children with special needs through individualized instruction and early intervention strategies.
- Maintain accurate records of student progress, assessments, and developmental milestones.
- Communicate regularly with parents regarding their child's progress, behavior, and developmental needs through meetings and written updates.
- Ensure compliance with mandated reporting laws and child welfare regulations.
- Foster a classroom environment that encourages creativity, independence, and social skills development.
- Incorporate Montessori or other specialized teaching methods as appropriate to the program’s philosophy.
- Maintain a clean, organized classroom environment conducive to learning and play.
- Stay current with best practices in early childhood education through ongoing professional development.
Experience
- Prior experience working with children in preschool or daycare settings is highly preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in curriculum development, classroom management, and behavior management techniques.
- Experience teaching children with special needs or in early intervention programs is advantageous.
- Knowledge of childhood development principles, standardized testing procedures, and early childhood education standards such as Montessori or preschool curricula.
- Certification in first aid and CPR is required or preferred.
- Proven ability to communicate effectively with young children, parents, and colleagues.
- Familiarity with mandated reporting laws and child welfare policies.
Pay: From $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
