Head Teacher for Full Day Fives

JCC Association of North America; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

JCC Association of North America in Stamford, CT is seeking a Head Teacher for Full Day Fives. The role involves leading a child-centered classroom for five-year-olds, focusing on their social-emotional growth and readiness for kindergarten.

The ideal candidate is expected to have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related fields and at least two years of preschool teaching experience. The position offers an annual salary between $55,000 - $65,000, along with a collaborative teaching environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years teaching preschool or pre-k age children.
• Experience with emergent curriculum and Reggio Emilia-inspired practices.
• Strong communication skills with families.

Responsibilities

• Create a dynamic, child-centered classroom.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Foster a classroom community grounded in respect and empathy.

Skills

Child development understanding

Classroom management

Positive guidance

Collaboration with specialists

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Child Development

Elementary Education with early childhood coursework

Tools

Classroom documentation platforms

Job description

Location and Job Title:

Head Teacher for Full Day Fives, JCC of Stamford, 1035 Newfield Ave, Stamford, CT 06905

Principal Responsibilities:

The Full Day Fives Teacher is responsible for creating and leading a dynamic, child-centered classroom for children approximately five years of age. In this Reggio-inspired classroom the educator will act as a facilitator of learning, designing meaningful learning experiences that support children's social-emotional growth, emerging academic readiness, creativity, and independence.

This role requires strong knowledge of child development, emergent curriculum, project-based learning, documentation, and family partnership. In the KinderPlace Program, every educator views children as capable, competent learners and uses observation to guide curriculum decisions.

Essential Responsibilities

Curriculum & Instruction

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with the interests of each child
• Design emergent, inquiry-based curriculum using observations of children's questions, ideas, and play.
• Facilitate long-term project work that integrates literacy, math, science, art, and social studies.
• Support kindergarten readiness through hands-on, purposeful learning experiences meeting each child where they are
• Provide opportunities for children to express ideas through multiple mediums, including art, movement, dramatic play, construction, writing, and conversation.

Observation & Documentation

• Observe children closely to assess development, interests, and learning styles.
• Document learning through photographs, dictations, displays, and written reflections.
• Use documentation to inform planning, communicate learning to families, and make children's thinking visible.

Classroom Environment

• Create a welcoming, organized indoor and outdoor classroom environment that functions as the "third teacher."
• Maintain engaging learning areas with open-ended materials, natural elements, and provocations that encourage exploration.
• Ensure materials are accessible, intentional, and reflective of children's current investigations and philosophy of KinderPlace

Social-Emotional Development

• Foster a classroom community grounded in respect, empathy, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Support conflict resolution, self-regulation, independence, and positive peer relationships.
• Use responsive guidance practices and developmentally appropriate behavior support.

Family Partnerships

• Build respectful, collaborative relationships with families.
• Communicate regularly regarding classroom experiences, child progress, and school events.
• Conduct conferences and share documentation of learning.
• Invite family voice, culture, and participation into classroom life.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with co-teachers, specialists, and administration.
• Participate in reflective planning meetings and professional dialogue.

Health, Safety & Operations

• Maintain compliance with all licensing, health, and safety regulations.
• Supervise children indoors, outdoors, and during transitions.
• Ensure a clean, safe, and well-maintained classroom environment.
• Perform routine duties including arrival, dismissal, snack/lunch supervision, and toileting support as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in:
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Child Development
  • Elementary Education with early childhood coursework
  • Related field

Preferred qualifications often include:

• Connecticut Early Childhood Teacher Credential
• Connecticut teaching certification with early childhood endorsement
• Master's degree

Experience

• 2+ years teaching preschool or pre-k age children
• Experience with:
  • emergent curriculum
  • Reggio Emilia-inspired practices
  • play-based learning
  • project-based learning
  • kindergarten readiness skills

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of child development ages 4-6
• Ability to create developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Classroom management skills using positive guidance
• Experience documenting children's learning and progress
• Strong communication with families
• Collaboration with co-teachers and specialists

Technology and Documentation

• Ability to use classroom documentation platforms
• Written observations and assessments
• Portfolio documentation and parent communication tools

Salary:

$55,000 - $65,000

Agency Information:

The Stamford Jewish Community Center is a cultural, educational and recreational center, offering exceptional programs, classes and special events designed to enrich the mind, body and spirit. While we are driven by the Jewish values of welcoming guests, kindness, respect, and communal responsibility, we warmly welcome people of all ages, faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds.