VPI Lead Teacher

Virginia Preschool Initiative Lead Teacher of Early Learning Center

Reports to Job Role: Division Director

FLSA:Exempt

Level: Supervisor

Descriptive Summary

The Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) Lead Teacher is responsible for delivering a high-quality developmentally appropriate preschool program for children ages 35 that meetsVirginia Preschool Initiative standardsVirginia Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) andVDOE licensing requirements. The Lead Teacher fosters a nurturing inclusive and equitable classroom environment ensures individualized support for all learners and prepares children for successful transition to kindergarten. This role includes leadership responsibilities for classroom staff collaboration with families and specialists and implementation of ongoing assessment and documentation.

Essential Functions

Curriculum & Instruction

• Plan and implement VPI-aligned developmentally appropriate play-based lessons that support literacy math social-emotional cognitive and physical development.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners including children with disabilities and English learners.
• Integrate culturally responsive anti-bias and inclusive practices throughout daily learning experiences.
• Use assessment data to inform instruction and guide children toward VPI learning objectives and kindergarten readiness outcomes.

Classroom Environment & Care

• Create a safe nurturing and stimulating classroom that promotes exploration independence and growth across all developmental domains.
• Maintain consistent daily routines and responsive caregiving practices in line with VPI and VDOE requirements.
• Implement positive guidance strategies to encourage self-regulation problem-solving and pro-social behaviors.
• Ensure compliance with classroom ratios supervision requirements and health/safety standards.

Assessment & Documentation

• Conduct ongoing child assessments using VPI-approved tools (e.g. ASQ Teaching Strategies GOLD) to track progress toward developmental milestones and kindergarten readiness goals.
• Maintain accurate confidential records of assessments attendance and health/safety information.
• Share results with families and use data to individualize instruction and support childrens growth.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build respectful culturally responsive partnerships with families.
• Communicate regularly regarding classroom activities child progress and VPI goals.
• Facilitate parent conferences workshops and family involvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with community partners and agencies to provide additional family supports and resources.

Inclusion & Special Needs Collaboration

• Collaborate with early childhood special education teachers therapists and specialists to implement IEPs and IFSPs.
• Modify curriculum routines and environments to ensure full participation for children with disabilities or developmental delays.
• Promote equity inclusion and respect for diverse abilities within the classroom culture.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and mentor Teacher Assistants and Aides to ensure effective curriculum implementation and adherence to VPI and licensing standards.
• Provide coaching professional development and feedback to support classroom staff growth.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education OR current CDA credential (Child Development Associate) plus VPI-required coursework in early childhood education child development or preschool instruction.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years in preschool education preferably in a VPI or publicly funded program.
• Experience supervising Teacher Assistants and classroom staff.
• Knowledge of VPI standards ELDS developmentally appropriate practices and inclusive instruction.
• Current Child Care Certification preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or equivalent technology for record-keeping and communication.
• Strong skills in curriculum implementation classroom management and assessment.
• Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized detail-oriented and able to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Valid drivers license with a safe driving record.

Attitude

• Attentive to constraints of time and funds in setting stretch goals
• Respectful of staff volunteers funders and clients
• Forward thinker considering not just today but what are the implications for tomorrow
• Collaborative leader working with others individually and in teams

Work Environment

• The work is performed in a typical office environment
• Some work is performed outdoors in both the winter and summer.
• Occasional driving or personal or Cornerstones vehicle.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Prolonged sitting and a desk and working on a computer.
• Regular in person interaction with the public clients and stakeholders.
• Handle or feel objects tools or controls.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds
• Occasional navigation of stairs ramps ladders.
• Nosie level in the work environment is usually low to moderate
• Must be able to safely operate a company vehicle.