VPK Preschool Teacher

The VPK Preschool Teacher is responsible for the general supervision and management of a class of preschool (4-5 years old) children, planning and executing the Early Childhood education program in accordance with the goals, objectives and standards set forth by the Orlando Science Center Preschool in alliance with Early Childhood developmentally appropriate practices, FL Department of Children and Families licensing requirements, Teaching Strategies “Creative Curriculum”, NAEYC and Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK) standards and guidelines. The VPK Preschool Teacher is also responsible for instructing children (4-5 years old) in activities designed to promote social/emotional, physical and intellectual growth needed to be successful individuals related to their peer group, environment and community.

Essential Functions

• Embraces STEM education and informal teaching methodologies and strategies as essential functions of the Science Center Preschool and curriculum approach.
• Establishes clear objectives for lessons, units, themes, activities and projects and communicate (written and verbal) to children Demonstrate commitment to OSC’s vision, mission, guiding principles and values.
• Organizes and directs activities/materials to promote physical, mental, social development such as games, art, music/movement, storytelling. 
• Arranges indoor and outdoor environment to facilitate creative play, motor development and safety.  
• Maintains the safety and health standards of the classroom and outdoor environment through cleaning, visual and personal inspection.
• Provides variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use, both in learning and imaginative play.  
• Prepares materials and classroom for activities.   Organizes and labels materials and a child’s work that is age appropriate and perceptual skills.
• Uses literacy, science, technology, engineering, math and motor development for individual, small and large group activities to provide children opportunities to observe, question and investigate.
• Establishes and maintains rules of behavior and procedures in regards to class control.  Greets all arriving and departing children and parents/guardian.   Open communication (verbal and written) with children, families, Director and Preschool staff.
• Observes and evaluates a child’s performance, behavior, social development and physical health to be discussed with Director, parents/guardian and other childhood resources to help in providing the best methods of learning for the child.  Daily, weekly and monthly Preschool and VPK assessments will be conducted in accordance with guideline and standards.
• Follows and adheres to all administrative policies and rules governing the Preschool and its employees as OSC employees, DCF license and accreditation requirements.
• Works collaboratively with Preschool staff, Director and OSC Education staff to provide appropriate programs, activities and projects.
• Attends professional meetings, educational conferences, workshops and training in order to maintain and improve professional competence. Required number of in-service hours and/or CEUs will be provided according to licensing and accreditation requirements.
• Maintains a professional attitude at all times.
• Demonstrates commitment to OSC’s vision, mission, guiding principles and values.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

 Minimum Qualifications 

Must be at least 21 years old and meet the requirements of the licensing agencies.

• Education: A degree (Associate or above) in Child Development, Early Childhood, PreKindergarten – Primary, or Elementary education, Exceptional Student Education, Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC), Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC), Florida Department of Education Child Care Apprenticeship Certificate (CCAC), certified National CDA is required.
• Experience & Certifications: Experience working with children 0 – 8 years old. Experience working with children 0 – 8 years old. FL DCF staff credential, CR and Basic First Aid Certification; 45 hours DCF mandated child care courses (provide a current DCF transcript); Clear Level 2 Background screening.  May not be on site until this is established.; Four year old standards.; Emergent Literacy for VPK.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Communication skills-presentation, public speaking and written.
• Reliable, organized, self-starter.  Ability to work with little supervision.
• Active listening, instructing, speaking, reading comprehension, learning strategies, writing, monitoring, and time management skills. 

 Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Physical Demands

• Ability to remain in a stationary position.  
• Moves throughout the museum.   
• Ascends/descends stairs throughout the museum. 
• Observes and reacts to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners. 
• Communicates and exchanges accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners in a variety of formats including in-person, electronically, and over the phone. 
• Operates a computer and/or office equipment efficiently and accurately.
• Manipulates and moves components weighing up to 50 pounds, including those that may be low to the ground or above eye level. 
• Frequently works in outdoor environments. 
• Frequently works in indoor environments.
• Coping with demands and stresses associated with job and work environment.
• Kneeling, crouching, stooping, and crawling - (frequently) 
• Weight Levels – Lift, Push, Pull
• Up to 50 pounds

 Expected Hours of Work & Travel

• This position is full time and primarily works Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:00 – 5:00pm. 
• This position may need to work weekends and after hour events as needed.

Telecommuting
 This position is required to be onsite 100% of the time. 

 Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.