VPK Director
Location: BridgePrep Academy ChampionsGate, 1201 S Goodman Rd, ChampionsGate, FL 33896
Reports To: Principal or Campus Administrator
Compensation: $45,145.00 – $55,000.00 Base Salary + $5,000.00 Stipend + up to $5,000.00 Supplemental Pay
Job Type: Full Time (Comprehensive Benefits Package Included)
JOIN OUR TEAM!SMART Management and BridgePrep Academy are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and passionate VPK Director to serve as the instructional and operational leader of our Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program. Reporting to the Principal or Campus Administrator, you will lead early childhood teachers, oversee daily program operations, ensure 100% state regulatory compliance, and create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that fully prepares young learners for kindergarten success.
ABOUT SMART MANAGEMENT & BRIDGEPREP ACADEMYSMART Management is a mission-driven education management organization supporting high-quality Pre-K–12 charter schools across Florida. We partner closely with school leaders and governing boards to build strong academic, operational, and cultural systems that help schools—and educators—thrive long term.
BridgePrep Academy, the largest network supported by SMART Management, serves students across 21 schools and is united by a bold mission: to provide a rigorous, student-centered academic experience enriched by an extended Spanish language program. At BridgePrep, educators are part of a collaborative, growth-oriented community where high expectations, strong support, and a deep belief in every child’s potential guide our work each day. Learn more at smartmgnt.com or bridgeprepacademy.com.
OUR CORE VALUES & CULTUREAt SMART Management and BridgePrep Academy, our work is guided by five lived core values:
"And How Are the Children?": Decisions prioritize student learning, safety, and well-being.
Big Rocks First: Focus on instructional quality and student outcomes above all else.
Own It: Take responsibility for student learning and classroom results.
Expect More: Maintain high expectations for all students.
Results Matter: Use data to reflect, adjust, and continuously improve instruction.
Ensure the implementation of developmentally appropriate, standards-aligned early learning instruction with curriculum fidelity.
Coach and support VPK teachers through regular observations, modeling, and actionable feedback cycles.
Oversee lesson planning, assessments, and instructional practices to monitor student progress and drive kindergarten readiness.
Ensure full compliance with all Florida VPK regulations, Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing requirements, and health/safety standards.
Maintain precise attendance records, required staff-to-student ratios, and state documentation.
Prepare for and successfully lead all program audits, inspections, and monitoring visits.
Build collaborative relationships with families as true partners in early learning.
Communicate regularly regarding student progress, behavioral growth, and program expectations with professionalism and urgency.
Facilitate family orientation, onboarding, parent meetings, and campus events.
Attend and actively participate in campus leadership meetings and network-wide professional development.
Submit all administrative reports, data submissions, and compliance filings on time.
Uphold all organizational policies, operational procedures, and professional standards.
85%+ of VPK students demonstrate kindergarten readiness on state and program assessments.
100% compliance across all VPK, DCF licensing, and state audit requirements.
90%+ staff retention with demonstrated instructional growth across the VPK teaching team.
Maintain strong program enrollment targets and high daily student attendance.
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited educational institution.
Certification & Credentials:
Valid or eligible Florida Teaching Certification.
Active Florida Child Care Director Credential with VPK Endorsement.
Mindset: Strong operational acumen and deep alignment with SMART Management and BridgePrep Academy’s mission, values, and student-first culture.
Background Screening: Successful completion of a Level 2 background screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, in accordance with House Bill 531.
All final candidates will be required to arrange three professional reference checks, with at least one reference from a former direct manager.
Take the lead in building strong academic and social-emotional foundations for young learners. Apply today through our mobile-friendly application to join the leadership team at BridgePrep Academy!
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited educational institution
- Valid or eligible Florida Teaching Certification
- Active Florida Child Care Director Credential with VPK Endorsement
- Successful completion of a Level 2 background screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse
- Arrange three professional reference checks, including at least one former direct manager
What We Do
OUR MISSION BridgePrep Academy believes every child learns best in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where high academic expectations, self-esteem, good character, and an appreciation for the arts are promoted. BridgePrep Academy’s mission is to provide a challenging academic curriculum that will encompass an enriched Spanish language program, technology and experiences that will enable students to develop in all areas. BridgePrep Academy’s goal is to educate well rounded individuals and enable students to reach their maximum potential. OUR VISION BridgePrep Academy believes that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, nurturing and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. BridgePrep believes in a student-centered educational philosophy that emphasizes hands on learning and students actively participating in learning. Students will be able to discover through hands on, engaging activities that will incorporate different approaches to accommodate each child’s learning style and as a result, raise academic achievement.
