Preschool Teacher

CONNECTICUT INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITIES INC; Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Health, dental, vision coverage

Retirement program

Sign-on bonus of $1,000

Job summary

A community service organization in Norwalk is seeking a full-time Early Childhood Education Teacher to lead a classroom of preschool children. The teacher will plan and implement activities, supervise an Assistant Teacher, and engage with families. Candidates with an AA or BA in Early Childhood Education are encouraged to apply, along with bilingual candidates. This position offers competitive compensation, health benefits, and a $1,000 sign-on bonus.

Qualifications

• Minimum an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Ability to engage with preschool children and their families.
• Experience in classroom planning and implementation.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate classroom activities.
• Supervise classroom staff and ensure safety of children.
• Develop individual educational plans for children.

Skills

Ability to pass OEC background check

Bilingual

Experience in early childhood education

Education

AA in Early Childhood Education

BA with early childhood credits

Job description

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

1. 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
2. Prepare daily lesson plans and post them for parents, volunteers and visitors in the classroom.
3. Develop an individual plan for each child, including goal setting based on identified needs and prescribed objectives to meet established child outcomes.

Program Implementation

1. Follow program curriculum and provide developmentally and linguistically appropriate experiences suitable for the children served.
2. Implement active learning experiences that advance children’s intellectual and emotional competence.
3. Provide a print‑rich environment to support literacy, numeracy and social skill development using increasingly complex language and problem‑solving abilities.
4. Offer positive guidance and discipline to support children as they acquire readiness skills for kindergarten and beyond.
5. Implement daily lesson plans in response to children’s needs and interests, incorporating observations, anecdotal record keeping and knowledge of early childhood development.
6. Integrate Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with disabilities.
7. Maintain a consistent classroom routine.
8. Supervise and ensure the safety and security of children at all times in accordance with Head Start and child‑care licensing requirements.
9. Model good nutrition by supervising meal service, guiding children through family‑style meals, and demonstrating proper social skills.
10. Supervise all classroom field trips and outdoor activities.
11. 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