Early Learning Center Head Teacher- Full-time

Children are the future, help us make it B R I G H T E R ! The West Haven Community House is c urrently seeking dedicated Head Teachers to work in our Early Learning Center. If you are passionate about working with children and making a difference, this could be the right job for you! The Center is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Schedule: Full-time " Hours are between 7:30 am to 5:30 pm" (35 hours position) THIS FULL-TIME POSITION OFFERS: Medical, Dental, Accrued Vacation, Sick and Personal time 401K (After Eligibility) Free Gym Membership-Planet Fitness Black Card!

Credit Union, Employee discounts, Tuition Assistance, Referral Program Free Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Vision POSITION TITLE: Early Learning Center Head Teacher REPORTS TO: CYS Director GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Implements OEC Standards related to the operation of the classroom. In addition to these standards, ensures that the classroom adheres to other applicable standards.

Follows program protocol for holistic delivery of services to children and families.

EDUCATION

Requires a Baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education or field related to early childhood education (minimum amount of ECE credits needed) and two years teaching experience in early childhood setting. Have and maintain a current CPR/First Aid Certificate and Medication Administration Training, and Epi Pen Certification, which meets State of Connecticut Licensing requirements.

Also fingerprints, and a Health Assessment at time of employment. PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Must be physically able to perform the duties of the position which may require lifting unspecified weights, standing, bending, use of hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; transferring individuals, stretching, walking, pushing, and/or pulling.

Must be able to walk frequently; occasionally sit, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch/crawl, taste, or smell. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, follow instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

LEADERSHIP, SUPERVISION, & STAFF MANAGEMENT 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, and 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 CURRICULUM, PLANNING & CLASSROOM OPERATIONS Know, understand, and implement developmentally appropriate practices by planning and preparing 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. ENVIRONMENT, SAFETY & COMPLIANCE Set and maintain a nurturing, professional classroom atmosphere that promotes children's self-esteem and development, while ensuring 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 and report emergencies, unusual incidents, or accidents promptly to the Child Care Director/WHCH before seeking external support.

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt Schedule: Full-time " Hours are between 7:30 am to 5:30 pm" (35 hours position)