Job Opening: VPK Lead Teacher (4-Year-Old Program)

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School – Dunedin, Florida

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School is seeking a faith-filled, nurturing, and highly qualified VPK Lead Teacher to join our Early Childhood team. The ideal candidate is passionate about early learning, understands the unique needs of four-year-olds, and is committed to helping each child grow in mind, heart, and spirit.

About Our School

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, a ministry of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Dunedin, provides a joyful and faith-centered learning environment rooted in our core values of Love, Service, Learning, Integrity, and Courage. Our Early Childhood program builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning through play, exploration, and the integration of faith in all we do.

Position Summary

The VPK Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate lessons aligned with the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for Four-Year-Olds (VPK) and the mission of Catholic education. The teacher ensures a safe, engaging classroom that promotes curiosity, independence, and respect for others.

Minimum Requirements (Florida VPK Program)

Candidates must meet the Florida Department of Education’s minimum VPK Lead Instructor requirements, which include:

• One of the following educational credentials:

  • Active Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent

  • Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC)

  • Associate’s or higher degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field

  • Associate’s or higher degree in another field plus at least 6 college credit hours in early childhood education/child development and at least 480 hours of experience working with children ages birth–8

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Pre-K/Primary Education, Preschool Education, or Family and Consumer Science

• Completion of state-required Emergent Literacy training (15 hours total)

• Completion of the course “Implementing the Florida Standards in Preschool Classrooms: 3 Years Old to Kindergarten”

• Successful completion of Level 2 FDLE and FBI background screening

• Good Moral Character Attestation and current professional references

(Applicants who meet the above criteria but are completing final coursework or training may be considered.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Florida Educator Certificate (Birth–Grade 3, PreK–Primary, or Elementary Education)

• Experience in a Catholic or faith-based early childhood program

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• A joyful, patient, and faith-filled approach to teaching young children

Position Details

• Type: Full-time (10-month position)

• Start Date: Immediately

• Reports To: Early Childhood Director / Principal

• Salary: Commensurate with experience and diocesan scale

• Benefits: Full diocesan benefits package available