Description
The VPK Director/Teacher at Holy Redeemer Catholic School is responsible for leading and implementing a high-quality Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program rooted in Catholic values and academic excellence. This role ensures full compliance with Florida VPK requirements while fostering a nurturing, faith-filled environment that supports the spiritual, academic, and social development of young learners.
As an integral member of the school community, the VPK Director/Teacher serves as both an educator and ambassador, promoting the mission of forming disciples through faith, knowledge, and service while building strong relationships with families and the parish.
Requirements
Program Leadership & Florida VPK Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with all Florida VPK requirements as established by the Florida Office of Early Learning and the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including Certificates of Eligibility, attendance records, and enrollment/termination forms.
- Monitor and ensure fulfillment of the 540 instructional hours required for the school-year VPK program.
- Administer required VPK assessments, including Florida’s progress monitoring and emergent literacy measures, and maintain accurate reporting.
- Implement curriculum aligned with the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards (Birth to Kindergarten) while reflecting the mission and philosophy of Holy Redeemer Catholic School.
- Serve as the primary liaison for VPK compliance, including audits, site visits, and communication with regulatory agencies.
- Ensure all classroom ratios, staff credentials, and safety standards meet state and diocesan requirements.
Instruction & Faith Integration
- Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction that promotes kindergarten readiness, with a strong emphasis on early literacy and social-emotional growth.
- Integrate Catholic teachings, prayer, and Gospel values into daily instruction and classroom life.
- Create a structured, safe, and welcoming classroom environment that reflects the dignity of each child.
- Use assessment data to guide instruction and support individual student growth.
- Implement positive behavior supports consistent with Catholic values and early childhood best practices.
Family & Community Engagement
- Build strong partnerships with parents as primary educators in their child’s faith and academic journey.
- Communicate regularly regarding student progress, attendance expectations, and school events.
- Conduct parent conferences and provide resources to support learning at home.
- Serve as a welcoming presence for prospective families, supporting admissions and enrollment efforts for early childhood programs.
- Actively participate in parish and school community events to strengthen family engagement and school visibility.
Collaboration & School Integration
- Collaborate with the principal, faculty, and staff to ensure alignment with school-wide academic and faith goals.
- Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and liturgical celebrations.
- Work closely with classroom aides and support staff to maintain a high-quality learning environment.
- Support the overall enrollment and retention efforts of the school by promoting the value of Catholic education.
Education & Experience
- Minimum credentials required to meet Florida VPK instructor requirements, including:
- Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) or equivalent, and
- Completion of Florida VPK Emergent Literacy training requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
- Active Florida Staff Credential (as required).
- Prior experience in a Florida VPK or early childhood classroom preferred.
- Familiarity with Early Learning Coalition systems and compliance expectations highly desirable.
Skills & Competencies
- Practicing Catholic or willingness to fully support the mission of Catholic education.
- Strong understanding of early childhood development and Florida VPK standards.
- Excellent organization and attention to detail for compliance and documentation.
- Warm, welcoming, and professional communication style with young children and families.
- Ability to integrate faith into all aspects of teaching and classroom culture.
- Proficiency with basic technology and student data systems.
