Summary

At Peppermint Patti’s Academy, We are currently seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and creative VPK Teacher to join our early childhood education team and help prepare our Pre-K learners for a lifetime of success.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate VPK curriculum aligned with Florida Early Learning Standards
• Foster a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment
• Track and assess student progress through observations and documentation
• Build strong relationships with families, keeping them informed on their child’s growth
• Work collaboratively with fellow teachers and support staff
• Maintain classroom cleanliness and ensure all licensing standards are met

What We’re Looking For✅ Florida Staff Credential (CDA, FCCPC, or equivalent)
✅ VPK endorsement or certified to teach Florida VPK
✅ Minimum 1 year of experience in a licensed childcare setting
✅ CPR/First Aid certified (or willing to obtain)
✅ Strong communication and classroom management skills
✅ Passion for early childhood development
What We Offer ✨ Competitive pay (based on experience certifications)
✨ Paid training professional development
✨ Holiday vacation pay after probationary period

Duties

Instructional Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver lesson plans that meet Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards
• Incorporate language, literacy, math, science, social studies, and social-emotional skills into daily activities
• Use a mix of structured and play-based learning to keep children engaged
• Tailor instruction to meet individual learning styles and developmental levels

Assessment Documentation

• Conduct formative and summative assessments to track student progress
• Complete VPK Progress Monitoring using tools like the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) or other approved measures
• Maintain detailed records of student growth, attendance, and classroom observations

Child Development Classroom Management

• Create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment
• Promote positive behavior and conflict resolution through appropriate guidance strategies
• Support development in all domains: cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional
• Ensure classroom routines promote independence and readiness for kindergarten

️‍️‍ Family Engagement

• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about their child’s progress and needs
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences
• Encourage family involvement through events, newsletters, or take-home activities

Health, Safety Compliance

• Adhere to all DCF (Department of Children and Families) and Florida VPK Program requirements
• Supervise children at all times to ensure safety
• Maintain a clean, organized classroom and follow sanitation guidelines
• Administer first aid and manage any emergencies in accordance with school protocols

Professional Collaboration

• Collaborate with assistants, co-teachers, and administrative staff
• Attend professional development workshops, staff meetings, and VPK training
• Stay current with state guidelines and curriculum updates

Requirements

One of the following credentials is required (choose one):

• Child Development Associate (CDA) or Florida Child Care Professional Certificate (FCCPC) earned within the past 5 years

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or higher in Child Development
Associate’s degree or higher in an unrelated field plus at least 6 credit hours in early childhood education/child development and at least 480 hours of experience providing childcare to children up to age 8
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Pre-K/Primary Education, Preschool Education, or Family Consumer Science
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, if the holder has held (or holds) a Florida Educator’s Certificate (active or expired), validated for birth through 6th grade instruction