Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

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.

·         Required: Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education

·         Preferred: 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. 

·         Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) required training by the Early Learning Coalition. 

·         Experience: A minimum of five years’ experience as a lead teacher in a preschool classroom.

·         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.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.  This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crouching throughout the day.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Easterseals Southwest Florida is dedicated to providing exceptional service to children, youth and adults with disabilities as well as support to their families. We offer the highest quality of care throughout our clients’ lives so they can enjoy access, opportunities and more dynamic life choices. The agency was founded in 1946 and for more than 80 years has offered therapies, services and enrichments across our region.

Through public and private funding as well as philanthropy, Easterseals administers a variety of therapies -- occupational, physical, speech and more -- as well as educational opportunities for the young and not-so-young: The Lily School Pre-K, ABA Academy, VIP High School, Adult Employment Services & Day Training as well as enrichment programs in art, music and performing arts. Community partnerships enhance offerings and include equine therapy at InStride Therapy and projects in organic farming with Operation Eco Vets garden on the Easterseals campus. Therapists are also actively enhancing therapies and services within the autism spectrum, allowing Easterseals to serve this growing community.

Easterseals SWFL strives to be an Employer-of-Choice and is proud to offer our employees a rich, comprehensive and competitive benefits package including, but not limited to, options for a medical plan, dental and/or vision plans, paid time off, 403B retirement plan, and paid holidays.