2026-2027: Pre-K Teacher, Virginia Pre-School Initiative (VPI)

Manassas Park; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Sylvania is seeking a Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) Pre-K Teacher for Cougar Elementary School. The ideal candidate will create a safe and engaging learning environment for preschool-aged children, implementing the VPI curriculum while fostering strong partnerships with families.

This full-time role requires a bachelor's degree and Virginia teaching license, focusing on individualized learning and kindergarten readiness through play-based activities.

Qualifications

• Must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Must hold or be eligible for a Virginia teaching license with an endorsement for early childhood education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of instructional practices related to special education.

Responsibilities

• Implements the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) curriculum and instructional practices.
• Develops lesson plans aligned to curriculum standards and student needs.
• Creates and maintains a safe and organized classroom environment.

Skills

Knowledge of child development

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to organize and prioritize work

Knowledge of current instructional methods

Ability to engage in self-evaluation and professional growth

Education

Bachelor's degree in early childhood education

Virginia teaching license

Job description

POSITION

Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) Pre‑K Teacher

LOCATION

Cougar Elementary School

SALARY

Teacher Scale - 200 Days

HOURS

Full Time, 7.5 Hours per day

POSITION LENGTH

200 Days

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR

Building Principals and Supervisor of Early Childhood Programs

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) Pre‑K Teacher creates, maintains, and manages a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool‑aged children. The teacher plans and implements instruction aligned to the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) standards and curriculum while supporting the academic, social, emotional, physical, and language development of young learners. The VPI Pre‑K Teacher fosters strong partnerships with families and promotes kindergarten readiness through hands‑on, play‑based learning experiences that meet the needs of individual students.

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Must hold or be eligible for a Virginia teaching license with an endorsement appropriate for early childhood education.
• Experience in specialized classroom settings preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of supervisory, instructional, and managerial practices related to special education programming.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate instructional practices for preschool‑aged children.
• Knowledge of current instructional methods, differentiated instruction, and early childhood educational practices.
• Knowledge of Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) standards, curriculum, and assessment practices.
• Demonstrated ability in decision making, problem analysis, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships, and planning.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and policies regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer systems, instructional technology, and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate work effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, staff members, and community partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to engage in self‑evaluation and continuous professional growth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implements the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) curriculum, instructional practices, and program standards within the classroom setting.
• Develops and prepares developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned to curriculum standards and student needs.
• Provides differentiated instruction and individualized learning opportunities for students with varying developmental and academic needs.
• Creates and maintains a classroom environment that is safe, organized, welcoming, and conducive to learning.
• Organizes classroom learning centers and rotates instructional materials regularly to create an engaging and stimulating learning environment.
• Supervises instructional assistants, volunteers, and other support staff assigned to the classroom.
• Maintains all required student records and documentation, including lesson plans, student files, referrals, screenings, assessments, and progress monitoring documentation.
• Conducts required screenings and assessments, including First Step Screening, child outcome measures, observation checklists, and individualized learning plans.
• Maintains accurate and complete medical documentation and remains familiar with pertinent student medical information.
• Conducts two (2) home visits and two (2) parent conferences annually for each student/family in accordance with program expectations and timelines.
• Establishes and maintains positive communication and collaborative relationships with families to support student success.
• Tracks and reports required program documentation and maintains records necessary for state and federal compliance and audit purposes.
• Follows established classroom schedules, routines, procedures, and safety expectations.
• Participates in professional learning, staff meetings, and collaborative planning activities.
• Maintains confidentiality of student and family information in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal, Supervisor of Early Childhood programs or other designee.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position operates in a professional school environment that includes classrooms, gymnasiums, cafeterias, auditoriums, and outdoor learning or recreational areas. The work environment involves noise levels that may range from low to moderate and requires frequent walking, standing, and movement throughout the school day. Occasional climbing, kneeling, or crouching may also be required. Periods of sitting are common while preparing lessons, grading assignments, or completing administrative tasks.

The position may require lifting or moving instructional materials, classroom supplies, or equipment weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally up to 25 pounds or more. Regular use of computers, interactive whiteboards, projectors, printers, and other instructional technologies is required to support teaching and learning.

Clear verbal communication, active listening, and visual attentiveness are essential for delivering instruction and ensuring student safety. The role involves daily interaction with students and regular collaboration with colleagues, administrators, and families. Occasional travel between school sites or participation in supervised field trips may also be required.

Teachers must be able to manage multiple responsibilities and adapt to the demands of a dynamic, fast‑paced educational environment.

CLEARANCES (Conditions for employment)

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
• Tuberculosis Screening

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Manassas Park City School Board is an equal opportunity employer, committed to nondiscrimination in recruitment, selection, hiring, pay, promotion, retention or and other personnel actions affecting employees or candidates for employment. Therefore, discrimination in employment against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, military status, genetic information or disability is prohibited, as required by federal and state laws and regulations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.