Our Teaching Team

At Vanderbilt Learning Center, we believe that being an early childhood educator is one of the most important jobs in the world! Teaching is a spiritual gift from God and a profound responsibility. Every child deserves a loving, safe, engaging, and enriching environment. To provide the highest standard of education and care, our teachers and assistants meet—and often exceed—strict state and national requirements.

Most of our teachers and assistants hold an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Several of our teachers hold master’s degrees in education and related fields. At VLC, we are all learning and growing! Cultivating a culture of continuous learning ensures that both educators and students stay engaged, adaptable, and inspired. Every member of the team is required to complete the 40-hour Child Care Training required by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), including the 10-hour Special Needs Appropriate Practices course and an additional five hours of Early Literacy Training. Our team is also required to complete a minimum of 10 in-service hours annually, to maintain DCF certifications. We also attend the annual conference hosted by the Florida Association for the Education of Young Children (FLAEYC) for several days of inspiring learning, practical strategies, and meaningful connection. 

VLC currently has two staff members who hold the Florida Child Care Director Credential, including Mrs. Mikes, who holds the advanced credential. 

Every team member passes rigorous state and federal fingerprint-based background checks. Each member maintains active Adult and Pediatric First Aid and CPR certifications, including specialized training in seizures, choking and allergic reactions. Each classroom is equipped with LiveVac devices. Our entire team completes mandatory DCF health, safety, and nutrition courses.

Specialized training varies by age and grade, including literacy through the Lastinger Center at the University of Florida, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten standards in the state of Florida, Florida’s B.E.S.T. standards in Kindergarten, play-based learning and much more. The VLC teaching team is current on developmentally appropriate practices and often works with outside service providers for speech, occupational therapy and other services. This nurturing team maintains a distinct ability to create inclusive, dynamic learning environments with creative curriculum tailored to early learners.

Beyond formal education, our team is carefully created and chosen for their loving hearts, dedication and specialized skill sets. Teaching is more than a job. It is a calling. 

The Vanderbilt Learning Center is a private school and does not accept the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten voucher. A parentally placed private school student with a disability does not have an individual right to receive some or all of the special education and related services that the student would receive if enrolled in a public school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.