About Jack & Jill Center
Since 1942, Jack & Jill Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has served more than 30,000 children and families through comprehensive early education and family strengthening programs. We are wholeheartedly committed to our mission of strengthening children and families through innovative education, supportive programming, and community engagement.
Each day, we strive to ensure that every child and family reaches their full potential. We live out our core values by treating others with respect and the highest degree of integrity, and by practicing effective communication to foster clarity and understanding in every interaction. We embrace innovation by encouraging creative solutions and continuous improvement. Through teamwork, we cultivate a dedicated and unified staff passionately working toward one common mission.
At Jack & Jill Center, we take great pride in serving not only children, but also their parents, guardians, and members of our broader community. As we enter our next chapter, we remain committed to adapting to the evolving needs of those we serve—and to continuing to make a meaningful, lasting impact on their lives.
Position Summary
Jack & Jill Center’s Early Education Program provides quality, year-round early childhood education focusing on enabling children to grow emotionally, physically, and socially in a safe, caring environment using age-appropriate methods for cognitive growth. The Center is open year-round, Monday through Friday, and serves children who are six weeks to five years old.
The VPK Lead Teacher plays a crucial role in overseeing and facilitating the educational development of Preschool and VPK students. They design and implement age-appropriate curriculum, create engaging learning activities, manage classroom dynamics, assess children’s progress and more.
As a teaching professional within a NAEYC-accredited early learning program, the VPK Lead Teacher is responsible for maintaining classroom practices, learning environments, documentation, and professional conduct that support the Center’s accreditation standards, program-quality expectations, and continuous-improvement efforts.
The classroom is also observed using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). The VPK Lead Teacher is expected to consistently demonstrate high-quality educator-child interactions, effective classroom organization, and instructional practices that support children’s social-emotional, language, cognitive, and academic development. The teacher participates in observation, feedback, coaching, professional development, and continuous-improvement activities related to CLASS and other program-quality measures.
Primary Responsibilities
Instructional Planning and Implementation
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Plan, align, implement, evaluate, and individualize effective instruction and assessment across a variety of developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
- Develop and implement weekly lesson plans that support established curriculum expectations, learning standards, and student developmental needs.
- Use appropriate instructional strategies, books, materials, and learning experiences that reflect students’ cultures, learning styles, individual needs, and backgrounds.
- Utilize instructional techniques and materials that promote critical, creative, and evaluative thinking.
- Differentiate instruction based on student readiness, developmental level, learning needs, and assessment information.
- Use an understanding of child development and learning to create educational experiences that support students’ intellectual, personal, social, and emotional growth.
- Integrate appropriate technology into teaching and learning experiences when developmentally appropriate.
- Maintain student portfolios and other instructional documentation required to demonstrate student learning and progress.
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Use intentional, developmentally appropriate teaching practices that support the Center’s NAEYC accreditation and program-quality expectations.
Curriculum Development and Activity Planning
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Implement developmentally appropriate Preschool and VPK curriculum aligned with established program expectations, standards, and learning objectives.
- Develop engaging classroom activities and learning experiences that promote school readiness and whole-child development.
- Select and prepare books, instructional materials, manipulatives, learning centers, and other resources that support curriculum goals and student engagement.
- Provide learning experiences that encourage exploration, problem-solving, creativity, communication, cooperation, and independent thinking.
- Adjust activities and instructional approaches based on individual student needs, developmental readiness, assessment results, and classroom observations.
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Use assessment information and classroom data to inform instructional planning and strengthen student outcomes.
- Provide an appropriate balance of teacher-directed, small-group, individualized, and child-initiated learning experiences.
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Create opportunities for children to exercise appropriate choice, independence, leadership, curiosity, and initiative throughout the instructional day.
Learning Environment and Classroom Management
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Create and maintain a developmentally appropriate classroom environment that is safe, nurturing, inclusive, engaging, and conducive to learning.
- Establish and maintain classroom routines, procedures, and expectations that promote positive behavior, active engagement, social interaction, cooperative learning, and self-motivation.
- Maintain appropriate classroom management and discipline practices consistent with Jack & Jill Center policies and applicable state and Broward County Child Care Licensing requirements.
- Treat students kindly, considerately, respectfully, and humanely at all times.
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Provide a warm and nurturing environment in which positive self-concepts are supported, independence is encouraged, and individuality is respected.
- Organize classroom materials and learning spaces to support safe, effective, and developmentally appropriate student participation.
- Maintain classroom cleanliness, order, and safety and help ensure that school property, equipment, and materials are appropriately cared for.
- Follow and enforce applicable Jack & Jill Center policies and procedures as outlined in employee and parent handbooks.
Communication and Collaboration with Stakeholders
- Use effective communication techniques when interacting with students, parents and caregivers, colleagues, supervisors, and other stakeholders.
- Conduct parent and caregiver conferences to discuss student development, progress, strengths, needs, and educational goals.
- Partner with families to support their active participation in their child’s education and development.
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Maintain professional and responsive communication with families regarding classroom activities, student progress, developmental concerns, and other relevant matters.
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Collaborate with peers, families, community partners, and other stakeholders to continuously improve students’ educational experiences.
- Work cooperatively with students, parents and caregivers, team members, supervisory staff, and other members of the school community.
- Seek and incorporate relevant family input when supporting children’s learning, development, interests, culture, and individual needs.
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Communicate effectively both orally and in writing using the English language, with or without auxiliary aids, services, or an interpreter.
Student Development and Behavioral Guidance
- Support the intellectual, physical, social-emotional, and personal development of each student.
- Use developmentally appropriate guidance and positive behavior-support strategies to promote student self-regulation, cooperation, responsibility, and respect for others.
- Encourage students to develop appropriate social skills, independence, positive self-concepts, and responsibility.
- Assist students with personal care and cleanliness needs, including toileting, as appropriate.
- Support students in developing habits related to neatness, order, promptness, appropriate manners, responsibility, and respect for the rights and feelings of others.
- Observe student behavior, participation, learning, and development and use observations to identify strengths, areas of need, and opportunities for individualized support.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to children’s emotional cues and provide reassurance, encouragement, and individualized support when needed.
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Use assessment strategies aligned with curriculum and applicable standards to monitor and support continuous student development.
- Maintain appropriate student records, portfolios, assessment information, and progress documentation.
NAEYC Accreditation, CLASS & Continuous Quality Improvement
- Maintain classroom practices, learning environments, documentation, and professional conduct that support Jack & Jill Center’s NAEYC accreditation standards and quality expectations.
- Implement developmentally appropriate, responsive, and inclusive teaching practices consistent with established early childhood education standards.
- Participate in NAEYC accreditation activities, classroom observations, site visits, documentation reviews, and continuous quality-improvement efforts as assigned.
- Participate in CLASS observations and demonstrate effective teacher-child interactions across Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.
- Apply CLASS-aligned practices throughout the instructional day, including lessons, learning centers, routines, transitions, meals, and other classroom interactions.
- Review observation results and feedback and participate in coaching, professional development, and reflective practice to strengthen instructional effectiveness.
- Implement agreed-upon improvement strategies resulting from CLASS observations, instructional coaching, NAEYC review activities, or other quality assessments.
- Maintain required classroom records and documentation that support accreditation, licensing, instructional quality, and student progress.
Compliance, Professional Development, and Safety
- Attend required educational conferences, training, and professional development as required by law, the Florida Department of Education, Florida Department of Children and Families, Broward County Child Care Licensing, or Jack & Jill Center.
- Complete and maintain applicable training, credentials, certifications, and annual in-service requirements, including required DCF child care training and CPR/First Aid.
- Keep records and prepare and submit reports as required by applicable laws, state regulations, Broward County Child Care Licensing, and Jack & Jill Center.
- Follow applicable health, safety, supervision, licensing, and child care requirements.
- Participate in fire, emergency, and safety drills as required by law, state or local regulations, licensing requirements, or Jack & Jill Center procedures.
- Help maintain a safe and respectful school environment and appropriately report safety, maintenance, or facility concerns.
- Engage in planned professional development and continuous improvement to strengthen instructional effectiveness and student outcomes.
- Maintain professionalism and comply with Jack & Jill Center policies, procedures, and workplace expectations.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, activities, and hours worked may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
EEO STATEMENT
Jack & Jill Center is an equal opportunity employer. All employment activities will be conducted in a manner to assure equal opportunity for all and will be based solely on the individual merit and fitness of applicants, candidates and/or employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation/preference, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, Jack and Jill complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The VPK Lead Teacher possesses the following minimum qualifications:
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At least one of the following:
o Child Development Associate (CDA) Or, Florida Child Care Professional Certificate (FCCPC) earned within the last five years; or,
o Associate degree or higher in Child Development; or,
o Associate degree or higher in an unrelated field, with at least 6 credit hours in early childhood education; or child development, and at least 480 hours of experience in teaching or providing childcare services for children any age from birth to 8 years of age; or,
o Bachelor’s degree or higher in early childhood education, prekindergarten or primary education, preschool education, or family and consumer science; or
o Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, if the pre-k instructor has been certified to teach children any age from birth through 6th grade, with a Florida Educator’s Certificate, regardless whether the certificate is current or not, and has not had this educator certificate
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One or more years of experience working in a program serving preschool-age children.
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Copy of the required 15 hours of Emergent Literacy Requirements
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Copy of completed Implementing the Florida Standards in Preschool Classroom: 3 Years Old to Kindergarten
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Successful Completion of 45 Department of Children & Families (DCF) child care training hours.
- Current CPR/First Aid certification for Infant through Adult.
- Knowledge and understanding of early childhood education best practices, applicable federal and/or state standards, and relevant subject matter.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications, including email and Microsoft applications.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work cooperatively with students, families, team members, and supervisory staff.
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Ability to provide a warm, nurturing, safe, and supportive environment in which positive self-concepts are enhanced, independence is encouraged, and individuality is respected.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing using the English language, with or without the use of auxiliary aids, services, or an interpreter.
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Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
- Valid driver’s license and access to transportation.
- Proper authorization/documentation to work in the United States.
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Successfully complete and pass a Level II Clearinghouse Background Screening - HB531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8- hour shift
Ideal Candidate
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A nurturing teacher who sparks curiosity and joy in learning.
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A child-focused professional who adapts to each developmental need.
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A clear communicator who builds trust with families and colleagues.
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A collaborative teammate who strengthens the school community.
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A lifelong learner who applies best practices in early education.
Why Work With Us?
Working at Jack & Jill Center may be one of the most rewarding experiences of your career. Here, your skills and passion directly contribute to transforming young lives and setting children on a path filled with opportunity. As a valued member of our team, you’ll be part of a community of educators, administrators, and professionals who are committed to creating an enriching and inclusive environment for both learning and work.
We also offer:
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Discounted childcare
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Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
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Ancillary benefits: STD, Critical Illness, Hospitalization
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Group LTD & Life Insurance
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Paid Time Off (PTO) and 11 Observed Holidays
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Organizational closure: December 24, 2026 to January 1, 2027
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Retirement matching program
Join us and be part of a team that makes an impact every single day!
Application Deadline: September 25, 2026
Application materials will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline date. Early applications are encouraged.