VPK Lead Teacher - Early Childhood Education Specialist in Destin, FL

Join Our Team: Inspiring Young Minds with Childcare Network

At Childcare Network, we believe that every child deserves a great start in life. As a leading provider of early childhood education, we're dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of young minds. Our team is passionate about creating a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment that encourages children to thrive. We're now seeking a qualified and experienced VPK Lead Teacher to join our center in Destin, FL, and be part of our mission to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families.

About Childcare Network

Founded in 1988, Child Development Schools is a renowned organization operating over 260 childcare centers across 11 states. Our three early childhood education brands, including Childcare Network, Sunrise Preschools, and My Small Wonders, provide high-quality care and developmental education to over 30,000 children aged six weeks to twelve years. We're proud to be a part of a network that values innovation, compassion, and excellence in early childhood education.

Job Summary

As a VPK Lead Teacher, you will play a vital role in our center's success by serving as a positive role model, creating meaningful relationships, and being a supportive resource for our students, families, and team. You will manage classroom activities, plan and implement engaging learning experiences, and conduct ongoing assessments to inform instruction and measure progress toward goals. If you're passionate about early childhood education and have a strong commitment to providing exceptional care, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage classroom activities while ensuring compliance with Florida Office of Early Learning and the goals and objectives of the current VPK curriculum.
• Build and maintain a positive, nurturing, and supportive relationship with the children and families.
• Plan and implement learning experiences that address physical health and development, social and emotional development, approaches to learning, logic and reasoning skills, language, literacy, mathematics knowledge and skills, science knowledge and skills, creative arts expression, and social studies knowledge and skills.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of the growth and development of assigned children to inform instruction and measure progress toward goals; plan individualized curriculum to meet specific needs of children, including children with disabilities.
• Arrange for children to be outdoors each day, for a minimum of one hour, weather permitting, to promote physical activity and outdoor learning experiences.
• Follow health and safety procedures for hand washing, toileting, handling bodily fluids, sanitizing toys and equipment, administering medication, serving food, dealing with children's illnesses, and supervising children.
• Complete timely, neat, accurate documentation of screenings, assessments, individualized plans, attendance, feedings, daily activity logs for parents, and other documentation as may be deemed necessary for providing quality services.

Requirements and Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a classroom environment working with children.
• Knowledge of Florida Pre-K requirements and Florida Office of Early Learning requirements.
• Considerable knowledge of human services resources and agencies, including local, state, and federal.
• Ability to determine and prioritize demanding workload while being flexible to emergent/unplanned needs and situations.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, group dynamics, facilitation, and collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and audit various policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion in all staff, child, and family interactions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition and Completion of the VPK training requirements.
• Florida Childcare Professional Certificate (FCCPC) Birth through Five Credential and Completion of the VPK training requirements.
• A bachelor's or higher degree in elementary education if the prekindergarten instructor has been certified to teach children any age from birth through 6th grade.
• An associate's or higher degree in child development.
• An associate's or higher degree in an unrelated field and at least 6 credit hours in early childhood education or child development and at least 480 hours of experience in teaching or providing child care services for children any age from birth through 8 years of age.

Skills and Competencies

To succeed as a VPK Lead Teacher, you will need:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with children, families, and team members.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Knowledge of early childhood education principles and practices.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At Childcare Network, we're committed to supporting the growth and development of our team members. As a VPK Lead Teacher, you will have access to:

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• Training and support to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Career advancement opportunities within our organization.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.

Work Environment and Company Culture

Our center in Destin, FL, offers a warm and welcoming work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a team member, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive community that prioritizes:

• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Innovation and creativity.
• Compassion and empathy.
• Excellence and quality.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that includes:

• Competitive salary.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Discounts up to 50% off childcare tuition.
• Free access to online training and education assistance to pursue your degree.
• 401(k) plan savings and investment plan with employer contribution.

How to Apply

If you're passionate about early childhood education and are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference, we encourage you to apply for this exciting role. Please submit your application today, and join our team in Destin, FL, as a VPK Lead Teacher!

Don't hesitate to apply! We value a great attitude and a willingness to learn above all.