About Child Development Schools & Our Vision
Child Development Schools has been a cornerstone of early childhood education since its founding in 1988. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, we operate more than 260 childcare centers across 11 states under three beloved brands: Childcare Network, Sunrise Preschools, and My Small Wonders. Each day, we serve over 30,000 children ranging from six weeks to twelve years, providing a nurturing environment where every child can explore, discover, and flourish.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to give every child a great start in life. We achieve this by fostering a culture of curiosity, compassion, and collaboration—both for the children we serve and for the dedicated educators who guide them. As a Remote VPK Lead Teacher, you will become an integral part of this mission, shaping the learning journey of Florida’s pre‑kindergarten students while enjoying the flexibility and support of a work‑from‑home model.
Why Join Us? The Employee Experience
Choosing a career with Child Development Schools means aligning yourself with a forward‑thinking organization that values professional growth, work‑life balance, and meaningful impact. Below are some of the reasons our team members love to stay:
- State‑of‑the‑art remote workspace: A fully equipped home office stipend ensures you have the technology and ergonomics you need.
- Competitive compensation: Salary packages are benchmarked against industry standards and include performance incentives.
- Comprehensive benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with employer match, tuition reimbursement, and generous paid time off.
- Professional development: Access to online training, mentorship programs, and pathways to leadership positions.
- Inclusive culture: We celebrate diversity and provide equal employment opportunities, fostering a safe and respectful workplace for all.
Role Overview – What You’ll Do Every Day
The VPK Lead Teacher is the heart of our Florida Pre‑K classrooms, ensuring that curriculum standards, regulatory compliance, and child‑centered learning converge seamlessly. In this remote capacity, you will lead virtual instruction, coach in‑center teachers, and serve as a trusted liaison for families.
Core Responsibilities
- Curriculum Leadership: Deliver the Florida VPK curriculum with fidelity, adapting lessons to meet the developmental needs of each child.
- Classroom Management (Remote): Oversee daily virtual classroom activities, maintain a safe digital environment, and ensure compliance with the Florida Office of Early Learning (FEL) guidelines.
- Family Engagement: Build strong, supportive relationships with families through regular communication, virtual conferences, and personalized progress reports.
- Assessment & Documentation: Conduct ongoing formative and summative assessments, analyze data, and create individualized learning plans, especially for children with identified disabilities.
- Professional Coaching: Mentor on‑site teachers, provide feedback on instructional practices, and lead virtual professional development workshops.
- Health & Safety Oversight: Guide centers on best practices for hygiene, medication administration, emergency procedures, and outdoor learning experiences.
- Community Partnership: Connect families with local, state, and federal human services resources, ensuring holistic support beyond the classroom.
- Regulatory Compliance: Interpret, apply, and audit center policies, ensuring all documentation (e.g., attendance, screenings, background checks) meets FEL and Child Development Schools standards.
Essential Qualifications – What You Need to Succeed
- Minimum 1 year of hands‑on experience in a classroom setting with children ages birth through eight years.
- Thorough knowledge of Florida Pre‑K (VPK) requirements and the Florida Office of Early Learning regulations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a demanding workload while remaining flexible to emergent situations.
- Strong understanding of group dynamics, facilitation techniques, and collaborative problem‑solving.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to parents, staff, and administrators.
- Professional demeanor when handling stressful or sensitive scenarios, maintaining tact and discretion at all times.
- Ability to interpret, apply, and audit policies, procedures, and regulatory documents.
- One of the following credentials (or equivalent combination of education and experience):
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential plus completion of VPK training.
- Florida Childcare Professional Certificate (FCCPC) with VPK training.
- Bachelor’s degree in elementary education (certified to teach birth‑to‑6th grade) plus VPK training.
- Associate’s degree in child development (or related field) plus VPK training.
- Associate’s degree in an unrelated field with at least 6 credit hours in early childhood education and 480 hours of relevant teaching or childcare experience.
Preferred Qualifications – What Sets Top Candidates Apart
- Experience leading virtual or hybrid early childhood classrooms.
- Advanced certifications such as Certified Early Childhood Professional (CECP) or National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation.
- Proficiency with learning management systems (LMS) and digital assessment tools.
- Background in special education, with expertise in adapting curriculum for children with disabilities.
- Fluency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in the community served.
Key Skills & Competencies for Success
- Instructional Design: Ability to craft engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons across literacy, math, science, social studies, and the arts.
- Technology Fluency: Comfortable using video‑conferencing platforms, digital portfolios, and data‑tracking software.
- Emotional Intelligence: Skilled at building rapport, demonstrating empathy, and fostering a supportive atmosphere for children and families.
- Analytical Thinking: Capable of interpreting assessment data to inform individualized instruction.
- Leadership & Coaching: Proven track record of mentoring peers, delivering constructive feedback, and driving continuous improvement.
- Organizational Skills: Meticulous with record‑keeping, scheduling, and compliance documentation.
- Cultural Competence: Respectful of diverse family backgrounds and able to integrate inclusive practices into daily routines.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
Child Development Schools invests heavily in the professional trajectory of its educators. As a Remote VPK Lead Teacher, you will have access to:
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing with senior instructional leaders for guidance and career planning.
- Continuing Education: Tuition assistance for advanced degrees, certifications, and specialized workshops.
- Leadership Pathways: Opportunities to transition into Regional Instructional Coach, Center Director, or Curriculum Specialist roles.
- Cross‑Functional Projects: Participation in research initiatives, curriculum development committees, and community outreach programs.
Work Environment & Culture Highlights
Though your primary workspace will be your home office, you remain an integral part of a vibrant, collaborative network:
- Virtual Community: Regular team huddles, peer‑learning circles, and social events to maintain connection.
- Supportive Leadership: Open‑door (virtual) access to senior management for feedback, ideas, and resources.
- Balanced Flexibility: While we maintain high standards, we also recognize the importance of personal well‑being and family commitments.
- Diversity & Inclusion: A steadfast commitment to equity, with initiatives that celebrate varied cultures, identities, and perspectives.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits (General Overview)
- Competitive Salary: Aligned with industry benchmarks for remote early‑education leadership roles.
- Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans with employer contributions.
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan featuring company match.
- Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave policies.
- Childcare Discounts: Up to 50% off tuition at any of our affiliated centers.
- Professional Development: Free access to online training libraries and a stipend for external courses.
- Technology Allowance: Home office equipment reimbursement and high‑speed internet stipend.
Application Process & Next Steps
If you are passionate about shaping the future of young learners, thrive in a dynamic virtual environment, and meet the qualifications above, we invite you to submit your application. Our hiring process includes:
- Online application submission with résumé and cover letter.
- Initial virtual interview with a Hiring Manager.
- Assessment of instructional philosophy and a brief teaching demonstration.
- Reference and background checks (including FDLE and FBI screenings).
- Final interview with senior leadership and an invitation to join our community.
Join Our Mission – Apply Today!
Even if you feel you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. Great teams are built on diverse talents, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to excellence. Take the next step toward a rewarding career where you can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families across Florida.
Apply Now – Start Your Journey with Child Development Schools
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