The Fuller Center is seeking a VPK Teacher Assistant. Reporting to the Education Coordinator and Center Director, this position is responsible for serving as a lead teacher across classrooms, planning and implementing educational activities for preschool-aged children or infants/toddlers in alignment with contractual performance standards and agency Quality Assurance efforts. The VPK Teacher Assistant provides educational continuity, maintains classroom safety, and supports the overall academic, social, and physical development of children.
Responsibilities
- Actively supervise children at all times to maintain a safe, supportive learning environment.
- Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans that provide educational and enrichment activities for preschool-aged children or infants/toddlers, ensuring alignment with Florida Pre-Kindergarten standards.
- Arrange classrooms into distinctive learning areas; maintain comprehensive student portfolios, assessments, daily attendance, and meal counts.
- Monitor meal and snack periods, classroom, restroom, and playground activities; ensure children with special dietary needs receive proper food and beverages.
- Screen and assess children to determine educational needs and implement individual education plans.
- Conduct Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) assessments as required, aiming for high-quality interactions (CLASS scores) and ensuring student kindergarten readiness.
- Initiate and participate in Family Support staffing sessions for children exhibiting challenging behaviors or developmental concerns.
- Maintain regular communication with parents through conferences, home visits, telephone, and written correspondence regarding child progress and upcoming events.
- Conduct daily health checks for conditions such as ringworm or head lice and report findings to Family Support Counselors.
- Inspect classrooms, play areas, and grounds for safety, sanitation, and maintenance needs; submit service and incident reports in a timely manner.
- Serve as a bus monitor and assist in transporting special needs and all children, ensuring safety belts are properly fastened and engaging children in developmentally appropriate activities during rides.
- Report suspected child abuse and neglect to designated state agencies immediately.
- Perform First Aid and CPR as needed, and carry out other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, or a Bachelor’s/advanced degree in any subject with equivalent coursework relating to Early Childhood.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience working with young children ages 2 to 5.
- Completion of DCF 40-Hour Introductory Child Care Training (Part I & Part II, including Early Literacy).
- Adherence to mandatory Florida Administrative Code training requirements (Child Abuse & Neglect, Early Literacy, and 10 hours of annual in-service training).
- CPR and First Aid Certification.
- Ability to lift up to 45 pounds and provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children by lifting children into seats and fastening safety belts.
Preferred / Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated track record of high-quality staff-child interactions resulting in strong CLASS assessment scores.
- Satisfactory evaluation history on standard Teacher Success Rubrics.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $14.50 - $16.50
- Free lunch daily!
- Benefits:
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance options
- Retirement savings plan with organizational contribution
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), sick leave, and paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Professional development assistance
Timeline
We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will continue to do so until the position is filled.
Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace
The Fuller Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.