Head Teacher - Kindergarten Prep

Kindergarten Prep Head Teacher

The Kindergarten Prep Head Teacher is responsible for leading a safe, engaging, and academically focused classroom that prepares children to enter first grade ready to succeed. This position plans and delivers developmentally appropriate instruction that strengthens early literacy, mathematics, communication, problem-solving, independence, self-regulation, and positive classroom behavior.

The Head Teacher leads the classroom team, monitors each child's progress, adjusts instruction based on individual needs, and builds strong relationships with families. The position is accountable for maintaining a nurturing learning environment in which children develop the academic and social-emotional skills, routines, and confidence needed for a successful transition to first grade.

Instruction and First-Grade Readiness

• Develop and implement a structured, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with applicable Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards and first-grade readiness expectations.
• Prepare weekly lesson plans that include clear learning objectives, instructional activities, small-group instruction, learning centers, movement, play, and opportunities for children to practice new skills.
• Provide intentional instruction in: letter recognition, phonemic awareness, early reading and comprehension; writing, fine-motor development, and oral communication; number recognition, counting, patterns, shapes, measurement, and early problem-solving; listening, following multi-step directions, completing tasks, and participating in classroom routines; cooperation, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, independence, and responsible decision-making.
• Use a balance of teacher-directed instruction, hands-on exploration, purposeful play, and individualized support.
• Differentiate instruction for children with varying academic, developmental, behavioral, linguistic, and social-emotional needs.
• Help children develop the stamina, independence, and classroom habits needed to participate successfully in a kindergarten and first-grade environment.

Assessment and Individualized Support

• Observe, document, and assess each child's academic, developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional progress.
• Establish baseline information and monitor progress throughout the program.
• Use assessment results and classroom observations to adjust lesson plans, create small groups, and provide additional support or enrichment.
• Maintain accurate student records, portfolios, progress reports, and other required documentation.
• Identify children who may require additional support and collaborate with the Director, families, or other appropriate professionals.
• Ensure families receive timely, understandable information about their child's progress, strengths, and areas for continued development.

Classroom Leadership and Staff Supervision

• Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, and support to Assistant Teachers.
• Clearly assign classroom responsibilities and ensure all team members understand lesson objectives, routines, supervision expectations, and individual student needs.
• Model effective teaching, positive behavior support, professional communication, and active supervision.
• Provide Assistant Teachers with regular feedback and address performance or classroom concerns promptly.
• Lead classroom planning meetings and ensure that the teaching team is prepared for each day.
• Help create a collaborative classroom culture in which staff communicate effectively and consistently support children.

Classroom Environment, Safety, and Behavior Support

• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate classroom.
• Provide active supervision during classroom activities, meals, transitions, toileting, outdoor play, field trips, and other program activities.
• Establish predictable routines, clear expectations, and positive behavior supports.
• Respond calmly and appropriately to children's behavior and help children learn to express emotions, solve problems, and resolve conflicts.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to attendance, behavior, development, health, illness, injuries,…