Kindergarten Prep Head Teacher: First-Grade Readiness Lead

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford is seeking a Kindergarten Prep Head Teacher to lead a safe, engaging classroom focused on early literacy and math while preparing children for first grade. You will plan and deliver developmentally appropriate instruction and foster independent, positive classroom behaviors.

You will develop weekly lesson plans, differentiate instruction, and supervise Assistant Teachers while maintaining strong partnerships with families and the school community to ensure a

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, or closely related field.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience developing lesson plans, assessing student progress, and adapting instruction.
• Experience leading or providing direction to classroom staff preferred.
• Strong classroom-management, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required background checks, health clearances, certifications, and registration.
• Ability to provide required transcripts, references, health documentation, and other licensing records.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Observe, document, and assess each child\'s academic, developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional progress.
• Establish baseline information and monitor progress throughout the program.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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, incidents, and suspected abuse or neglect.
• Follow all mandated reporting and incident-reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with BGCH policies and all applicable Office of Early Childhood, DCF, School Readiness, NAEYC, health, safety, and licensing requirements.
• Build respectful, trusting relationships with parents and caregivers.
• Communicate regularly with families about classroom learning, student progress, behavior, upcoming activities, and ways to reinforce learning at home.
• Conduct or participate in family conferences and first-grade transition planning.
• Partner with receiving schools and families, when appropriate, to support a smooth transition into first grade.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and sensitivity in all family communications.

Skills

Classroom management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Education

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford is seeking a Kindergarten Prep Head Teacher to lead a safe, engaging classroom focused on early literacy and math while preparing children for first grade. You will plan and deliver developmentally appropriate instruction and foster independent, positive classroom behaviors.

You will develop weekly lesson plans, differentiate instruction, and supervise Assistant Teachers while maintaining strong partnerships with families and the school community to ensure a