Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Easter Seals Southwest Florida, Inc•Sarasota, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Plan and implement age- and developmentally appropriate classroom activities that are individualized, inclusive, and flexible to meet the diverse developmental needs, abilities, interests, and learning styles of each child enrolled in the Child Development Center program of Easterseals of Southwest Florida. Ensure that lesson plans and daily activities support children’s social-emotional, cognitive, language and literacy, physical, and adaptive development through play-based, hands-on, and meaningful learning experiences. Incorporate ongoing observation and assessment to monitor each child’s progress and adjust instructional strategies, materials, and learning environments as needed. Additionally, integrate Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program standards and an approved, developmentally appropriate curriculum into classroom planning and instruction for eligible children. Align learning experiences with Florida’s Early Learning and Developmental Standards, incorporating early literacy, language development, mathematical thinking, scientific inquiry, and social-emotional skills to promote kindergarten readiness. Provide appropriate accommodations, differentiated instruction, and individualized supports to ensure all children, including children with developmental delays or disabilities, have equitable opportunities to participate, learn, and progress toward their developmental and educational goals.

Requirements

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) required training by the Early Learning Coalition
A minimum of five years’ experience as a lead teacher in a preschool classroom.

Nice To Haves

Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education or a formal education with a minimum of six (6) hours of Early Childhood Education coursework.
Mandated 45 hours of training by the Department of Children and Families preferred before hire.

Responsibilities

Ensure implementation of all Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) standards and requirements.
Develop and implement developmentally appropriate preschool program for young children.
Plan and implement activities to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social/emotional needs of the children in the program
Ensure equipment and facility are always clean, well maintained and safe
Ensure Creative Curriculum is implemented with developmentally appropriate lesson plans and learning environment
Responsible for completing the classroom cleaning log with classroom staff and submitting to the office each month
Provide a safe and secure environment for children to feel comfortable
Establish routines and provide positive guidance
Implement positive discipline when required
Complete VPK Assessments and compiled required data
Complete parent/teacher conferences twice per year
Collaborate with Instructional Specialist on VPK compliance
Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand
Observe children and make notes of progress
Integrate special needs children in a positive and respectful manner
Discuss children’s development with parents/guardians
Maintain program administration. Keep parents informed of program expectations, program activities and their child’s progress
Conduct semi-annual parent/teacher conferences
Maintain a portfolio and developmental assessment for each child in your class
Other duties as assigned.