Head Teacher Toddler

What You'll Do

Key Responsibilities:

Curriculum Implementation

• Design and deliver age-appropriate programs and activities that foster the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of the children;
• Implement Support Plans and provide guidance to support staff on their implementation;
• Communicate curriculum objectives and coach support staff in delivering program goals, offering constructive feedback as needed;
• Identify children requiring additional support and adapt instruction to meet their needs;
• Ensure that the Site Manager is informed of any program-related issues affecting service quality, accreditation, licensing, child safety, health, and parent satisfaction;

Classroom Operations

• Monitor all aspects of the program to guarantee compliance with OEC, NAEYC, and health and safety standards, as well as CDC or School Readiness requirements where applicable;
• Utilize the Positive Guidance Policy and work collaboratively with support staff, Instructional Leader, and family to address children with additional needs;
• Observe, assess, and document each child’s developmental progress in core areas of learning in collaboration with support staff;
• Report child-related incidents and complete Incident Reports within 24 hours;

Staff Support

• Identify and address issues among staff in the classroom, implementing appropriate interventions to maintain a safe and orderly environment;
• Model professional decorum and attire suitable for the program’s mission and values to ensure similar standards among staff members;
• Provide support staff with mentoring and coaching to deliver developmentally appropriate lessons, activities, and environments;
• Facilitate effective communication between staff and parents to resolve issues or concerns;
• Offer performance feedback to staff within 48 hours, documenting and escalating ongoing concerns to the Site Manager immediately;
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents, students, staff, and the local community;

Compliance and Reporting

• Comply with and ensure support staff adheres to all Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) procedures and documentation requirements;
• Follow OEC and YWCA Hartford Region’s protocols for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect;
• Respond to medical situations and initiate appropriate intervention to ensure the health and safety of all children;
• Receive, secure, and dispense prescription medication according to defined procedures and physician directives;
• Oversee the daily use of the YWCA Hartford Region’s Name-to-Face Accountability and Ratio sheets to ensure proper accountability and safety of children;
• Track, monitor, and maintain program and participant records according to OEC and YWCA Hartford Region’s procedures, ensuring accurate completion, timely revision, and secure retention of program records;
• Report and document all work-related injuries to the Site Manager immediately;
• Stay current with trends, development, and best practices in child care, early childhood education, and the Sanctuary Training Model; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education:

• Must meet the degree requirements as outlined by the OEC, or
• CDA certification and 12 credits in Early Learning, or has a plan in place to meet OEC requirements for Head Teacher;

License or Certifications:

• Connecticut State Office of Early Childhood Head Teacher Certificate, and
• CPR/First Aid Certified or the ability to obtain certification within the first two months of employment;

Experience:

• Minimum one (1) year of work experience in an educational setting with children required;
• Demonstrated knowledge of curriculum planning;
• Strong knowledge of child development and psychology;
• Must be able to successfully pass both OEC and criminal background checks;
• Physical required upon hire;
• Must have own transportation, valid driver's license, and proof of insurance;

Travel:

• Depending on enrollment, employees may be asked to provide support to other Early Learning Centers occasionally.

Schedule:

• This is a full-time exempt position. Standard hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 6:45 am – 6:15 pm. The work schedule and hours will be defined by the Department Head or direct supervisor. Due to the nature of the work, some evening hours may be required.

Benefits