ELC Head Teacher CYS-FULL-TIME

W H Community House•West Haven, CT

6d•$23 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The West Haven Community House is seeking to hire dedicated Head Teachers to work with the next generation of learners in our Early Learning Center program. This role is for creative leaders with exceptional classroom management skills and a passion for early learning education.

Requirements

Baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education or a related field (minimum amount of ECE credits needed).
Two years of teaching experience in an early childhood setting.
Current CPR/First Aid Certificate.
Medication Administration Training.
Epi Pen Certification, meeting State of Connecticut Licensing requirements.
Fingerprints.
Health Assessment at time of employment.

Nice To Haves

Ability to use independent judgment, meet deadlines and work flexible hours.
Ability to communicate clearly with others, both verbally and in written form.
Ability to organize, to show initiative and to pay attention to detail.
Ability to work both independently and as a team member to build positive school-family partnerships.
Ability to use logical, clear, concise reasoning to make decisions in performance of job.
Ability to use and learn computer software and to calculate and comprehend basic math calculations.
Ability to work with and relate to preschoolers and their families.

Responsibilities

Implement OEC Standards related to the operation of the classroom and ensure adherence to other applicable standards.
Follow program protocol for holistic delivery of services to children and families.
Lead by example to ensure compliance with education service policies and procedures, maintaining mandated staff/child ratios.
Coordinate with the Education Manager to cover absences.
Supervise, train, and guide staff, student teachers, volunteers, and observers, providing opportunities for input in planning and implementation.
Ensure proper orientation for all new team members on classroom/play yard expectations and practices.
Promote a positive, professional, and gossip-free work environment.
Hold regular staff planning and training meetings as required by the Director.
Facilitate participation in professional development opportunities, including coaching, workshops, and licensing-required training sessions.
Actively participate in all required internal meetings and planning activities.
Address any concerns to CYS Director and/or Education Manager.
Plan and prepare daily activities that meet the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social needs of children, 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, guiding staff to align instruction with each child’s individual development.
Ensure completion and quality of learning plans, assessments, conferences, and classroom documentation in line with all protocols and deadlines.
Ensure accurate and timely completion of required documentation and systems.
Set and maintain a nurturing, professional classroom atmosphere that promotes children's self-esteem and development.
Ensure the physical space meets OEC health, safety, and developmental standards.
Maintain cleanliness and order by modeling and encouraging appropriate behavior.
Provide proper care and use of rooms, furniture, equipment, and materials.
Report and, when possible, remove hazards.
Create and update child-centered classroom displays and bulletin boards regularly to reflect current learning and creativity.
Conduct and document monthly safety drills (fire, lockdown, emergency).
Maintain visual supervision of children at all times.
Ensure consistent use of appropriate, positive discipline strategies by all staff.
Report emergencies, unusual incidents, or accidents promptly to the Child Care Director/WHCH before seeking external support.
Build friendly, professional relationships with parents.
Communicate promptly about program developments, accidents, incidents, and “ouch” reports.
Attend all required parent meetings and conferences.
Provide clear information about agency/program goals, services, and child progress.
Support strong home-school connections by informing families of available services.
Collaborate with Community Preschool staff to integrate support services and facilitate transitions into and out of the program.
Coordinate with CYS Community Preschool staff to integrate comprehensive services and ensure smooth transitions for children entering, exiting, or moving within the program.
Conduct orientation for children on classroom and play yard rules.
Observe children’s health, development, behavior, and activities (individual and group), and document accordingly.
Be alert to and support children's social, emotional, physical, and mental health needs.
Use consistent, developmentally appropriate discipline to foster self-control and respect.
Participate in internal and external meetings (e.g., IEP/PPTs, case consultations).
Coordinate and advocate for services for children and families, especially those requiring additional supports or with disabilities.
Assist children in developing self-control, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
Use appropriate and positive discipline, ensuring it is consistent and aligns with program guidelines.
Collaborate with the teaching team on child assessments, maintaining accurate and complete documentation, including lesson plans, individual goals, observations, and evaluations as assigned.
Be attentive to children’s special needs, allergies, restrictions, and care plans—diligently follow and enforce them to ensure child wellbeing.
Be very aware of the health and behavioral needs of all children and support their care consistently and safely.
Adhere to the CYS Staff Handbook, agency policies, and the WHCH Code of Ethical Conduct.
Ensure enforcement of all State and WHCH program regulations.
Ensure compliance of all staff and children's files with current regulatory requirements.
Maintain confidentiality of records.
Maintain up-to-date professional qualifications/certifications (e.g., OEC Registry, BCIS Registry).
Maintain accurate daily attendance records.
Ensure proper child sign-in/out procedures.
Promptly complete and obtain parent signatures on all Accident/Incident/Ouch reports.
Ensure proper documentation and reporting of all emergencies, accidents, and suspected child abuse or neglect using universal precautions and established protocols.
Immediately report any suspected abuse/neglect to the Director and follow DCF hotline procedures.
Perform other related duties as assigned.