Teacher / Early Childhood Specialist / Barnum

Cheshire Public Schools; Cheshire (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Cheshire Public Schools is seeking an Early Childhood Specialist for the Early Education Center at Barnum School. This full-time position involves leading preschool programming and ensuring compliance with state standards.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in early childhood education, special education practices, and excellent collaboration skills. This role supports high-quality, inclusive educational experiences for young learners and their families.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in early childhood education, especially preschool programming.
• Strong knowledge of special education practices.
• Experience with PPT processes and family engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional coaching aligned to best practices.
• Support preschool staff and facilitate PPT meetings.
• Assist in ongoing development of NAEYC accreditation.

Skills

Early childhood education expertise

Special education practices knowledge

Communication and collaboration skills

Experience with PPT processes

CPR and First Aid trained

Education

CSDE certifications 112, 113, 512, 061, 070, OT/PT

Tools

BRIGANCE Diagnostic Inventory of Early Development-II

Job description

Early Childhood Specialist Early Education Center (Barnum School)

The Early Education Center at Barnum School is seeking a highly skilled and collaborative Teacher Leader to support our integrated preschool programs, including three-year-old and four-year-old classrooms, as well as Smart Start programming. This full-time, 10-month role is designed for an experienced and respected educator who is passionate about early childhood education and inclusive practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide instructional coaching and guidance aligned to best practices in early childhood education, including inclusive practices for students with disabilities, multilingual learners, social-emotional development, and developmentally appropriate, play-based instruction.
• Support and collaborate with preschool staff
• Participate in and facilitate Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings
• Assist in the implementation and ongoing development of NAEYC accreditation efforts
• Support the onboarding and transition of students and families from Birth-to-Three into preschool programming
• Foster strong relationships with families, particularly those new to the special education process
• Ensure alignment with the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS) and Connecticut Documentation and Observation for Teaching System (CTDOTS)
• Promote developmentally appropriate practices, including frameworks such as Circle of Security
• Work with building administration in the coordination of the Smart Start grant and related state meetings
• Collaborate with administration to support the hiring and coaching of staff (certified and non-certified)
• Collaborate with the administration to manage the budget for the Early Childhood program
• Coordinate the preschool application process, ensuring programs are enrolled to capacity and incoming children meet enrollment requirements
• Work with building administration to support the coordination and oversight of the Office of Early Childhood Requirements
• Collaborate with building administration to ensure compliance with the state Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) data
• Collaborate with building administration on staff faculty meetings and professional development
• Coordinate and support transition meetings from pre-K to kindergarten
• Coordinate, support, and manage staff supplies and ordering processes
• Partner with local preschools eg. host Cheshire Preschool Community of Practice
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the administration

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in early childhood education, particularly preschool programming
• Strong knowledge special education practices
• Experience with PPT processes and family engagement
• Familiarity with NAEYC accreditation standards, CTELDS, CTDOTS
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• CPR, First Aid, and Mandated Reporter training
• Familiarity with the birth-to-three process
• Familiarity with the BRIGANCE Diagnostic Inventory of Early Development-II
• Candidates should hold one or more of the following CSDE certifications
  • 112, 113, 512, 061, 070, or OT/PT credentials
• CSDE certification #092 preferred but not required

This is an opportunity for a respected educator to serve in a leadership capacity, supporting high-quality, inclusive programming and positively impacting young learners and their families.

Salary

In accordance with the Agreement Between Cheshire Board of Education and the Education Association of Cheshire.