Job Description:
LEARN, southeastern Connecticut's Regional Educational Service Center, invites candidates to apply for a full-time Early Childhood Education (ECE) Head Teacher opening at our Creating Connections Early Learning Center in Waterford, Connecticut.

General Scope of Responsibilities
The ECE Head Teacher is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing a program that supports the physical, emotional, social, and educational development of children aged six weeks to three years. This role ensures adherence to Center policies, Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Education regulations, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation Standards, and the NAEYC Code of Ethics.

Relationship within the Organization
The ECE Head Teacher reports to and is evaluated by the Early Childhood Education Site Coordinator.

Responsibilities

Program Development and Implementation

• Design, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate activities that meet the needs of children, ensuring alignment with NAEYC standards and Center policy.
• Identify each child’s developmental needs and apply differentiated instruction.

 
Staff Supervision and Mentorship

• Supervise teachers, staff support, and classroom volunteers, ensuring adherence to planned activities, hygiene, and safety standards.
• Mentor and coach support staff to implement developmentally appropriate lessons, activities, and environments.
• Provide constructive feedback to the Site Coordinator for formal evaluations of teachers and support staff.

 
Compliance and Safety

• Oversee classroom setup, equipment, and materials to ensure full compliance with state licensing requirements, NAEYC accreditation standards, health and safety regulations, and CDC guidelines or grants as applicable.
• Ensure that all activities and operations align with Center policies, NAEYC standards, and state regulations.

 
Parent and Family Engagement

• Engage parents through regular informal discussions, progress reports, and scheduled parent-teacher conferences to foster strong partnerships and open communication.

 
Record Keeping and Documentation

• Maintain accurate records, forms, and files in compliance with Center policies and regulatory standards.

 
Team Collaboration and Coordination

• Conduct weekly meetings with teachers and support staff to facilitate curriculum planning, review student observations, and foster effective communication.
• Collaborate with the Site Coordinator weekly to discuss classroom management and address program issues.

Professional Development

• Develop and maintain a personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• Attend a minimum of 21 hours of early childhood workshops annually and participate in staff meetings, projects, and departmental events.

 
Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

 
Experience, Knowledge, and Training

Education

• Current ECE certification/Special Education or ECTC (Early Childhood Teacher Credential) Bachelor level only; traditional college route or IRR (Individual Review Route) or bachelor’s degree specifically in ECE.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Medication Administration and Epi-Pen Certificate.

 
Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional childcare experience.

 
Special Skills

• Ability to work well with others.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• An understanding of child development.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

 
Physical / Health / Other Requirements

• Must clear a full background check and must pass health screening.
• Must be able to lift and/or carry a child up to 50 lbs.
• Minimum of 18 years of age.

Qualified applicants should apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/learn/onlineapp/ (application can be found under the Early Childhood and Elementary School Teaching category). LEARN Regional Educational Service Center is an equal opportunity employer.