Early Learning Center Head Teacher- Full-time

W H Community House•West Haven, CT

5d•$0 - $25

About The Position

The West Haven Community House is seeking a full-time Head Teacher for its Early Learning Center. The Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; the position is 35 hours per week, with hours scheduled within that operating window. The Head Teacher implements Office of Early Childhood (OEC) standards and other applicable requirements in the classroom, and follows program protocols for delivering holistic services to children and families. The role leads classroom operations and staff, supports developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning plans, and maintains a nurturing, safe, compliant classroom environment. This is a non-exempt position reporting to the CYS Director. The posting lists medical, dental, accrued vacation, sick and personal time, a 401(k) after eligibility, a free Planet Fitness Black Card gym membership, credit union access, employee discounts, tuition assistance, a referral program, free life insurance, long-term disability, and vision coverage.

Requirements

A baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education, with the minimum required ECE credits.
Two years of teaching experience in an early childhood setting.
Maintain a current CPR/First Aid certificate, Medication Administration Training, and Epi Pen certification meeting Connecticut licensing requirements.
Fingerprints and a health assessment at the time of employment.
Physical ability to perform job duties, including lifting unspecified weights; standing, bending, reaching, handling, transferring individuals, stretching, walking, pushing, and pulling; frequent walking; and occasional sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching/crawling, tasting, or smelling.
Ability to read and interpret documents, follow instructions and procedure manuals, write routine reports and correspondence, and solve practical problems using written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions.
Ability to use independent judgment, meet deadlines, and work flexible hours.
Clear verbal and written communication skills; organization, initiative, and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as a team member to build positive school-family partnerships.
Ability to use logical, clear, concise reasoning to make decisions.
Ability to use and learn computer software and perform and comprehend basic math calculations.
Ability to work with and relate to preschoolers and their families.

Responsibilities

Implement OEC standards and other applicable standards for classroom operation, and follow program protocols for services to children and families.
Lead by example and ensure compliance with education service policies and procedures, including mandated staff-to-child ratios; coordinate with the Education Manager to cover absences.
Supervise, train, and guide staff, student teachers, volunteers, and observers; provide opportunities for input in planning and implementation and orient new team members to classroom and play-yard expectations and practices.
Promote a positive, professional, and gossip-free work environment.
Hold staff planning and training meetings as required by the Director and facilitate participation in coaching, workshops, and licensing-required training.
Participate in required internal meetings and planning activities, and address concerns to the CYS Director and/or Education Manager.
Plan and prepare developmentally appropriate daily activities that meet children’s emotional, physical, intellectual, and social needs, incorporating SEL, STEAM, multicultural, literacy, and Service-Learning activities.
Lead classroom operations using a team-teaching model and implement a high-quality early childhood program aligned with CT Early Learning Development Standards and best practices.
Oversee curriculum planning and guide staff in aligning instruction with each child’s development; ensure timely, high-quality learning plans, assessments, conferences, and classroom documentation.
Complete required documentation and systems accurately and on time.
Maintain a nurturing, professional classroom atmosphere and ensure the physical space meets OEC health, safety, and developmental standards.
Maintain cleanliness and order; model and encourage appropriate behavior; care for rooms, furniture, equipment, and materials; and report or remove hazards when possible.
Create and update child-centered classroom displays and bulletin boards to reflect current learning and creativity.
Conduct and document monthly fire, lockdown, and emergency safety drills, and maintain visual supervision of children at all times.
Ensure staff consistently use appropriate positive-discipline strategies and promptly report emergencies, unusual incidents, or accidents to the Child Care Director/WHCH before seeking external support.