Head Teacher

Description

Position Summary:

The Head Teacher will provide a supportive, respectful, safe, and healthy environment for children enrolled in the YWCA Hartford Region Early Learning Center and plan and manage the delivery of age-appropriate programs and activities that foster the physical, emotional, intellectual, and interpersonal development of the children enrolled in the program. The Head Teacher will assist the Site Manager in supervising, training, and evaluating assistant teachers and volunteers.

Essential Functions of the Job:

Curriculum Delivery

• Plans and manages the delivery of age-appropriate programs and activities that foster the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of the children enrolled in the program;
• Implements all Support Plans and coaches and mentors support staff in implementing plans;
• Communicates curriculum objectives, models, and coaches support staff in the delivery of goals, and respectfully provides immediate feedback;
• Identifies children needing additional support and implements differentiated instruction;
• Ensures that the Site Manager is aware of program-related issues that may impact service quality, accreditation, licensing, child safety, health, and parent satisfaction;

Classroom Management

• Monitors all aspects of the program and service delivery to ensure staffing levels, facility equipment, and materials used are fully compliant with the Office of Early Childhood (OEC), National Association for the Education of Youth and Children (NAEYC) accreditation criteria and requirements, health and safety standards, and Child Development Center (CDC) or School Readiness requirements where applicable;
• Utilizes the appropriate steps within the YWCA Hartford Region’s Positive Guidance Policy and works collaboratively with the support staff, Instructional Leader, and family to work through the appropriate process to support children with additional needs;
• Observes, assesses, and documents each child’s developmental progress in all core areas of learning in collaboration with support staff;
• Reports all child-related incidents and completes Incident Reports within 24 hours;

Coaching and Mentoring

• Identifies issues among staff in the classroom and implements appropriate interventions to maintain a safe and orderly environment;
• Models a degree of professional decorum and dress appropriate to the program's mission and values to ensure achievement of the same by staff members;
• Provides support staff with mentoring and coaching to implement developmentally appropriate lessons, activities, and environments;
• Facilitates effective ongoing communication between staff and parents in the resolution of issues or concerns;
• Provides performance feedback to staff within 48 hours, documenting and escalating ongoing concerns to the Site Manager immediately;
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with parents, students, staff, and the local community;

Compliance and Reporting

• Complies with and ensures that support staff are following all Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) procedures and documentation requirements;
• Follows OEC and YWCA Hartford Region’s protocols for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect;
• Responds to all medical situations and initiates appropriate intervention to ensure the health and safety of all children;
• Receives, secures, and dispenses prescription medication per defined procedures and physician directives;
• Oversees the daily utilization of the YWCA Hartford Region’s Name-to-Face Accountability and Ratio sheets to ensure proper accountability and safety of children;
• Tracks, monitors, and maintains program and participant records per OEC and YWCA Hartford Region’s procedures, ensuring accurate completion, timely revision, and secure retention of program records;
• Reports and documents all work-related injuries to the Site Manager immediately;
• Remains current with trends, development, and best practices in the field of child care, early childhood education, and the Sanctuary Training Model; and
• 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 pass both OEC and criminal background checks successfully;
• 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, benefit-eligible, exempt position. Standard hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 6:45 am – 6:15 pm. The Department Head or direct supervisor will define the work schedule and hours. Due to the nature of the work, some evening hours may be required.

EOE