Preschool Teacher Job Norwalk area,Connecticut USA,Education / Teaching

Connecticut Institute for Communities, Inc.

Greater Norwalk Head Start / Early Learning Program seeks a full‑time Early Childhood Education Teacher. This position serves as the Lead Teacher in a classroom of 16 to 20 preschool children aged 35 years. The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing classroom activities for preschool children and indirectly supervises an Assistant Teacher and a Classroom Aid.

Summary

Planning (20%)
Program Implementation (50%)
Family Partnerships (10%)
Communication and Service Coordination (5%)
Record Keeping and Recording (5%)
Ongoing Monitoring and Self‑Assessment (5%)
Supervision and Human Resources (5%)

Essential

Job Responsibilities

Planning

Ensure the written curriculum includes:

Goals for children's development and learning
Experiences through which children will achieve these goals
Strategies for staff and parents to help children achieve these goals
Materials needed to support implementation of the curriculum

Prepare daily lesson plans and post them for parents, volunteers and visitors in the classroom.

Develop an individual plan for each child, including goal setting based on identified needs and prescribed objectives to meet established child outcomes.

Program Implementation

Follow program curriculum and provide developmentally and linguistically appropriate experiences suitable for the children served.

Implement active learning experiences that advance children’s intellectual and emotional competence.

Provide a print‑rich environment to support literacy, numeracy and social skill development using increasingly complex language and problem‑solving abilities.

Offer positive guidance and discipline to support children as they acquire readiness skills for kindergarten and beyond.

Implement daily lesson plans in response to children’s needs and interests, incorporating observations, anecdotal record keeping and knowledge of early childhood development.

Integrate Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with disabilities.

Maintain a consistent classroom routine.

Supervise and ensure the safety and security of children at all times in accordance with Head Start and child‑care licensing requirements.

Model good nutrition by supervising meal service, guiding children through family‑style meals, and demonstrating proper social skills.

Supervise all classroom field trips and outdoor activities.

Follow universal precautions and prevent contamination to uphold occupational health and safety.

Head Start Employee Expectations

Uphold shared values of the program.
Give and receive constructive feedback.
Cooperate with co‑workers, providing assistance or information as needed.
Participate actively in program meetings, trainings, committee meetings and other functions, including evening activities as required.
Adhere to employment standards in confidentiality, child‑abuse reporting, attendance, appropriate dress, customer service, prudent use of resources, and safety.
Demonstrate integrity, ethical behavior and commitment to personal excellence.
Commit to ongoing professional development and performance management.
Represent the center at local, state and regional initiatives.
Show flexibility, initiative and the ability to adapt strategies when needed.
Respect colleagues by attending meetings promptly and giving advance notice of absences.

Benefits

Competitive compensation plus a comprehensive fringe benefits package, including paid holidays, paid time off, health, dental, vision coverage and a retirement program. A $1,000 sign‑on bonus is currently being offered.

Requirements

AA in Early Childhood Education (minimum). BA preferred with at least twelve credits in early childhood.
BA in another field with applicable work experience may be considered.
Ability to pass an OEC background check and fingerprinting screening.
Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Competitive compensation and comprehensive fringe benefits (health care coverage and retirement program).
Send resume and letter of interest.

Health Requirements

Recent fit‑for‑duty examination.
Ability to lift 40 lbs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Connecticut Institute for Communities, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Provider.

Closing Date:
Open Until Filled