VPK Assistant Teacher

Inspire. Teach. Grow. Join Sunshine Academy!

Do you love working with young children and making learning fun?

Sunshine Academy is looking for a caring, enthusiastic, and dependable VPK Assistant Teacher to join our early childhood education team!

We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, encouraged, and excited to explore the world around them.

We are looking for someone who brings positive energy into the classroom, enjoys working as part of a team, and understands that teaching young children is about more than preparing them for kindergarten - it's about building confidence, independence, friendships, and a lifelong love of learning.

• Work alongside the Lead VPK Teacher to create a positive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Support daily lessons, small-group activities, learning centers, and hands‑on educational experiences.
• Help children develop early literacy, math, language, social-emotional, and problem‑solving skills.
• Build meaningful, nurturing relationships with children.
• Support positive classroom management and guidance practices.
• Encourage children's independence, creativity, and curiosity.
• Assist with classroom routines, transitions, supervision, and daily activities.
• Observe children's progress and support individualized learning needs.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and welcoming classroom.
• Communicate professionally and positively with teachers, families, and administration.
• Participate in professional development, training, and continuous program improvement.

Our ideal candidate is someone who:

• Genuinely enjoys working with preschool-age children.
• Is dependable, punctual, and committed to their team.
• Brings enthusiasm, patience, creativity, and a positive attitude.
• Takes initiative and recognizes what needs to be done without constant direction.
• Communicates clearly and works well with others.
• Is comfortable supporting both educational activities and daily classroom responsibilities.
• Is willing to learn, accept feedback, and grow professionally.
• Understands the importance of consistency, teamwork, and positive teacher‑child interactions.

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to meet Florida DCF childcare personnel requirements.
• Completion of required LEVEL 2 background screening and applicable childcare training.
• Ability to actively supervise and engage with young children.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred:

• Previous experience in a preschool, VPK, or early childhood education classroom.
• Florida Staff Credential or CDA.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for 4- and 5-year-old children.
• Familiarity with CLASS, Conscious Discipline, or Frog Street curriculum.
• Experience supporting kindergarten readiness and early literacy activities.

At Sunshine Academy, we believe that great teachers deserve a supportive workplace where they can make a difference and continue growing professionally.

Our benefits include:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• 3% retirement match
• Childcare discount
• Paid training and professional development
• Continuing education opportunities
• Supportive team environment
• Opportunities for professional growth

Every day is an opportunity to inspire curiosity, celebrate progress, and make a lasting impact on a child's life.

If you're passionate about early childhood education, enjoy being part of a positive team, and want to help children develop the skills and confidence they need for kindergarten, we would love to meet you!

DCF License # C07FL
0036