VPK Assistant Teacher

Southern Payroll Solutions•Crestview, FL

About The Position

The VPK Assistant Teacher supports the Lead VPK Teacher in creating a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool children. The role contributes to classroom operations and child development while helping maintain a safe, structured, and positive educational experience. The Assistant Teacher supports daily schedules, routines, and transitions; leads and assists with activities that promote children’s physical, cognitive, and social development; observes and documents behavior and progress; and assists with screenings, assessments, and anecdotal notes. The role also involves preparing learning materials, communicating with parents, maintaining a clean and organized classroom, and supporting classroom activities and VPK graduation events. The position requires compliance with applicable Florida, ELC, OEL, and DCFS regulations, required child-to-staff ratios, safety standards, and licensing requirements. The teacher conducts daily classroom safety checks and demonstrates professionalism with staff, children, and families. Physical requirements include lifting up to 30 pounds, standing for extended periods, and sitting on the floor with children. Availability may need to include occasional evenings or weekends.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum 1.5 years of Early Childhood Education experience.
Current First Aid and Pediatric CPR certification.
Level 2 Background Screening through the AHCA Clearinghouse.
DCF Training (40 hours) and the 5-hour VPK Emergent Literacy course.
Completion of all VPK-required endorsements and training.
10 annual CEUs required.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent organization and time management.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Attention to detail and classroom management skills.
Commitment to ongoing professional development.
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds, stand for extended periods, and sit on the floor with children.
Flexible availability, including occasional evenings or weekends.

Nice To Haves

Previous Lead Teacher experience.
CDA, FCCPC, or a degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred or required depending on the role).

Responsibilities

Assist in creating and maintaining a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment.
Support daily schedules, routines, and transitions.
Lead and assist with activities promoting physical, cognitive, and social development, such as arts and crafts, storytelling, music, and games.
Observe and document children’s behavior, development, and progress.
Assist with developmental screenings, assessments, and anecdotal notes.
Prepare and maintain learning materials and classroom centers.
Communicate with parents about children’s daily activities and progress.
Ensure compliance with safety standards and licensing requirements.
Maintain classroom cleanliness and report safety concerns.
Support VPK graduation events and classroom activities.
Engage positively with children to support emotional, social, and educational growth.
Follow regulations from the State of Florida, ELC, OEL, and DCFS.
Maintain required child-to-staff ratios and conduct daily classroom safety checks.
Demonstrate professionalism with staff, children, and families.