Preschool Head Teacher (Early Learning Center)

Preschool Head Teacher (Early Learning Center) $22-$27 per hour, based on credentials and experience Timeline: Posting through Jan 30th Interviews February 2-6th Final Decisions By Feb 20th Start by March 2nd or sooner.

About Wakeman Boys & Girls Club Wakeman Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) has proudly served children and families in Fairfield County for over a century. Through high quality early learning, out-of-school time, and youth development programs, Wakeman is committed to ensuring that every child-regardless of background-has the support, opportunities, and safe spaces needed to thrive. Our Early Learning Center reflects this commitment by providing a strong, nurturing foundation for our community's youngest learners.

Position Summary Wakeman Boys & Girls Club is seeking experienced and passionate Preschool Head Teachers to support the launch and ongoing leadership of our Early Learning Center as an Early Start CT Provider. Working collaboratively with other Head Teachers and the ELC Director, this role ensures consistent implementation of standards and guidelines related to safety, curriculum, assessment, and family engagement, in alignment with Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) regulations, CT ELDS, Early Start CT standards, and Wakeman values.

The Preschool Head Teacher plans and delivers developmentally appropriate curriculum, supports classroom staff, ensures safe and compliant operations, and partners with families as essential members of the learning community.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with BGCA, OEC regulations, NAEYC and Early Start CT requirements.
• Collaborate with other Head Teachers and the ELC Director to ensure consistent practices across classrooms related to safety, curriculum, assessment, and family engagement.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment in compliance with OEC licensing standards and Wakeman Boys & Girls Club policies.
• Supervise, coach, and support Assistant Teachers, paraprofessionals, and volunteers.
• Conduct ongoing observations using CT DOTS, collect work samples, and maintain accurate child portfolios.
• Complete student assessments, individualized plans, and required documentation and reporting.
• Promote learning through play and embed learning opportunities throughout daily routines and transitions.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with families through daily communication and family engagement activities.
• Coordinate classroombased special events connected to curriculum goals and family involvement.
• Integrate BGCA Character and Youth Development best practices and developmental assets into daily instruction.
• Organize classroom environments that support socialemotional development, positive behavior, and engagement.
• Ensure consistent implementation of health, safety, and supervision protocols.
• Comply with all mandated reporter responsibilities.
• Ensure classroom staffing, ratios, attendance tracking, and documentation meet OEC and Early Start CT requirements.
• Submit weekly classroom checklists and updates to the Director of Early Learning.
• Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, and professional development.
• Advocate for children and families and make referrals for support services as appropriate.
• Model professionalism, leadership, teamwork, and Wakeman Boys & Girls Club values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, or actively pursuing an ECE degree in accordance with OEC qualification requirements.
• CDA credential preferred.
• CPR and First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe).
• Experience working with young children in an OEClicensed early childhood program.
• Knowledge of OEC regulations, CT ELDS, Early Start CT, NAEYC and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Dependable, punctual, and enthusiastic with a strong commitment to early learning and communitybased youth development.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English or another language) a plus.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs. regularly (up to 50 lbs. occasionally with assistance).
• Reliable transportation required.